Articles
HOW DO I KNOW THAT I AM SAVED?
HOW DO I KNOW THAT I AM SAVED?
(David Halbrook)
Today there are many different doctrines concerning salvation, sometimes causing men to wonder "How can I know for certain that I am saved?" Some would persuade us to look to "the light within ourselves" for true freedom and salvation, but how will we know when we've found it? Some would persuade us to look for a supernatural, so-called "Holy Ghost experience," yet how can we trust those who say such when those same individuals aren't otherwise speaking those things which the Spirit spoke to the apostles (1 Cor. 2:13)? So how can we really know that we are saved?
In 1 John, Christians were facing some kind of crisis in their faith prompting John to write and reassure them that "truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1:3). Throughout this book John spoke of what Christians could "know." While others may have based their claim of a relationship with "the divine" through a "light from within" or a mystical experience, John said no such thing, yet he affirmed that it was possible for the joy of salvation to be full and sure (1:3-4). How could they have that assurance, and how can we? The epistle of 1 John teaches that we may know that we are saved:
If we confess our sins (1:9). No one who is continuing in sin or who refuses to acknowledge their guilt should believe that they are saved. But if we will confess our sins, then we can know that they are forgiven. This is what Peter commanded Simon to do in order to be free from the bitterness and iniquity which had poisoned and bound him (Acts 8:22-23). When Simon did as Peter instructed, he could know that he was saved. When a Christian acknowledges His sin and turns from it, he can know that he is saved from it.
If we keep His commandments and word (2:3-4,6). We can be certain that we know God when we are keeping His commandments. David knew this and thus said "Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments" (Ps. 119:73b). Have you kept or neglected His command to "repent. . . and be baptized" (Acts 2:38)? Are you keeping or neglecting His command to be faithful until death (Rev. 2:10)? The answer to these and similar questions, will give you an accurate assessment of the presence or absence of salvation in your life.
If we love the brethren in deed and truth (3:14, 18). The religion of Christ is not merely a matter of knowing facts. Equally crucial to knowing the truth is doing the truth. If you are seeking to be certain regarding your salvation, examine your life (2 Cor. 13:5). Is it wrapped up in your own interests (Phil. 2:3-4)? Do you know who the poor, weak, and discouraged are? If you don't know who they are, how can you show love to them? If you know who they are, what have you done recently to lift them up? Be sure that you know that you have shown love to them-- your salvation depends upon it.
By the Spirit (3:24). Yes, the Spirit will help us to know whether or not we are saved-- but how does He help? We have already seen that God's word provides the key to affirming our salvation, but how did we come to have this word? Man did not author God's word for "no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God." These things (God's word) were "revealed by the Spirit" (1 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 3:5). If you "wonder" concerning your salvation, consult the word of God which the Spirit delivered and be thankful that the Spirit delivered those words.
If we accept what is written. "These things I have written to you . . . that you may know that you have eternal life" (5:13). Does it sound too simple? Does it sound too difficult? If you are expecting something more exciting or less demanding, is it possible that you need to rethink your criteria for affirming your salvation? If you are seeking a feeling or miracle to affirm your salvation, you are creating your own criteria for "salvation affirmation." God has made true confidence available to those who will be satisfied to seek the answer to this question by "what is written."
John wanted the faithful Christians to be confident that their salvation was genuine. God wants the same for us today, but we must let God define the terms of such assurance not our emotions, parents, human traditions, or personal preferences. "We do not know that we are pardoned because we feel good, but we feel good because we know we are pardoned. . . Feelings may prove us sincere, but they alone cannot prove the pardon of sin" (T.W. Brents, The Gospel Plan of Salvation, pg 653). By rightly dividing the word of truth and examining yourself, you can know whether or not you are "in the faith" (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Cor. 13:5). These things I write that your joy may be full (1 Jn. 1:4).
