In answer to the question: ‘Are you saved?’ , many Christians say: “I don’t think so” or “I hope so” or “we will be sure when we get to heaven”. Others say: “only God can tell”.
When you ask a question like: “Are you married?” people answer “yes” or “no” and they are sure.
Salvation is a miracle of change, and we ought to know with full assurance whether that change has taken place or not.
Assurance of salvation explained
What do we mean when we say one has assurance of salvation?
The saved person has absolute confidence that he is saved and that if he died suddenly, he will go to heaven.
Who must have assurance of salvation
Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should have the assurance of salvation read John 1:12; John 3:16; John 3:36.
Basis of Assurance of salvation
Assurance of salvation is not based on feelings or circumstances. God has given us three things upon which to base our Assurance
i). The Witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). Before we accept the Lord Jesus as Lord and savior the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgement. After conversion, the Holy Spirit gives an inner peace to the believer and confirms to him that he’s a child of God. read Galatians 4:6.
ii). Faith in the word of God 1 John 5:13.
The Holy Spirit Witnesses through the word of God (1 John 5:13).
The Apostle John wants those who believe to know that they are saved not merely to Hope.
When we become Christians, the devil will come many times to tempt us and make us doubt our salvation.
Say to Satan, “the word of God says that if I believe in Jesus Christ I have eternal life.” I have believed on the Lord, so I am saved and my sins are forgiven. (John 10 27 – 29; 1 John 5:11 – 13).
Build your assurance on the word of God.
iii). The changed life: Our former friends and those around us will see a change in our lifestyles, and this assures our own hearts that we truly saved. Read 1 John 3:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Hindrances to assurance of salvation
i). Failure to trust the word of God.
ii). Cares of this world choke the desire for God, His word and prayer (Mark 4:19).
iii). Temptation and sin: Our yielding to temptation and sin opens the way for the devil to accuse us and to weaken our confidence that we are saved (Revelation 12:10)
Conclusion
Salvation is as intangible as love. One has to accept it by faith and to move with confidence provided in the Scriptures. Once One believes in the finished work of Christ on the cross and accepts it’s sufficiency to save one’s sin as well as confesses the same, Salvation is definitely taking place.