Assurance of Salvation
(saved or redeemed from sin and death through faith in Jesus alone)
I can think of no better way to begin this study than with this nugget of assurance. What exactly is the blessed assurance of salvation, which choirs sing, ministers preach, and Christians testify about? It is this: the scriptures teach and we declare that because of God’s grace, we have been redeemed, saved, and assured of eternal life through our belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). This is the foundation of our faith.
As new believers, we are often drawn into the valley of doubt and fear concerning our salvation. As we hear others discuss this fundamental truth, we may think, I don’t feel different. Am I truly saved? Is it possible to really have assurance of my salvation? How can I be as sure as mature saints?
God in His great wisdom knew the question of salvation would plague us. I believe that is why He filled the Bible with many passages to give us assurance in Him and in His Word. What do seasoned saints have that newborn Christians lack? They have wisdom founded in years of feeding upon God’s promises. They have faith and confidence “in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2).
Instead of depending on how we “feel,” let’s turn to the Bible and rely on God’s truth. There is no need for doubt! God gives us reassurance in this passage: “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13; italics added). God said you can know for sure!
Here’s more. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Romans 1:16). You believe, right?
Believe the Word, which declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Let’s put our own names in the place of “the world” and read the verse again. Now savor it. God gave us the gift of salvation through belief in His Son, Jesus.
Jesus redeemed (saved) us by dying and paying the price for our sins. Through His shed blood, we are now restored and called the children of God (Romans 8:16) and declared righteous and holy (2 Corinthians 5:21). Finally, when we die, God honors us and says, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
Instead of doubting, start rejoicing! Walk in faith, for not only is it possible to have assurance of our salvation, but we have biblical truth and a guarantee written and signed in blood by Jesus Himself.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Nuggets to Nourish Your Soul
Study Guide 1
Faith word: assurance of salvation
Definition:
Question 1: Do you think it is possible to have assurance of your salvation?
Question 2: Locate John 3:16 in your Bible. How does God’s Word assure you that you are saved?
Question 3: How can you thank God today for your salvation?
Addresses of scripture found in commentary:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
Romans 1:16
Titus 1:2
John 3:16
Romans 8:16
2 Timothy 4:8
Acts 4:12
John 10:28
1 John 5:13
Memory verse:
