On Christian radio call-in programs, I’ve often heard people ask how to validate one’s salvation. People say that despite their sincere belief in the Gospel, they don’t “feel” saved. Others say that they have asked Christ to save them over and over again.
It saddens me that people have these doubts and fears, because Scripture is full of promises that assure us we can’t lose our salvation. If we have believed in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us and have invited him in to our hearts and lives, we’re saved.
Always and forever, amen.
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
Unfortunately, we sometimes allow our own feelings and insecurities to transcend God’s promises. In those situations, it’s comforting to have a wise Christian friend, counselor, or pastor who can offer us a fresh look at familiar Bible verses.
In a sermon I listened to this week, Dr. David Jeremiah said that he asks those concerned about the validity of their salvation to take a look back through their Christian lives.
Have they grown spiritually since the time of their salvation? Have they become more like Christ? Have they have experienced new life through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit?
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. – Romans 6:11
As Dr. Jeremiah simply said, “Living things grow.”
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. – John 15:4
Like any living thing, we may go through spiritual growth spurts; in times of drought, we may grow very little.
Both extremes have certainly happened in my own life. But I can look back to the moment I prayed for salvation, and I can see that I have become more like Christ. I hesitate to say that, as I have such a long, long way to go in becoming a consistently godly person. But I have seen growth, and that’s encouraging! It keeps me pressing on.
It assures me that my salvation is not some fairy tale, but as real as anything tangible of this world.
Are you confident in your salvation? What promise of God is most reassuring to you? I do so enjoy your comments.
My Way Home 
I am eternally confident that my salvation was purchased by Jesus Christ as He died for me on the Cross at Calvary. The verse that resonates in my heart daily is Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (NIV). He died for me while (because) I was lost in sin. It is truly the free gift of God.
That God has done this completely on His own for all is one of the main stumbling blocks folks (in Western culture) seem to have. We have been taught that we are to work for what we want/need, that there is no such thing as a freebie.
Those who believe know that there is no free pass here. The salvation brought by Jesus came at the highest price, His own precious blood. We are called to walk out this life with the complete assurance of not only what God has done, but also what He continues to do in us, all for His glory!
Blessings,
Pastor Chuck
PS: that was a tremendous message from Dr. Jeremiah!
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Thanks SO much for sharing your testimony and certainty of your salvation, Pastor Chuck! I agree – the way of salvation almost seems too simple, when considered logically. But when we think we need to work for our salvation, we negate the priceless value of Christ’s shed blood.
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I’m very glad that Christians can’t lose our salvation. It’s great that you thought to write about this!
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Thank you, dear. It is such a comforting realization to know that we, and our salvation, are in God’s hands.
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Yes, as long as, following Catholic emphasis, I do what is necessary to ensure that the growth Dr. Jeremiah refers to continues to happen. Salvation is indeed a gift that we must actively and consciously accept. By doing so, our lives cannot help but change. I, too, have a long way to go before I am where He wants me to be; but I know I’m on the right road, and so grateful to have His company!
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Yes, I agree. We cannot just live as we wish after salvation – that’s not what Christian liberty means. But I think those who are truly saved naturally long for a close relationship with Christ, and in that, they long to be more like him.
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And I certainly would agree with that.
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I am as sure of my salvation as the nose on my face! 😉 Holy Spirit really brought this verse home to me so personally: “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.'” (2 Tim 2:19). He sealed into my heart the security that I am His ❤ ❤
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Ooo, love that verse, Jennifer. Thanks so much for sharing it with me!
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Isn’t it beautiful? You are welcome, friend! ❤ 🙂
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Our feelings don’t determine whether we are saved or not because feelings dwindle. Thank God that our salvation is secured in Christ.
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Yes, what a relief we can’t rely upon how we feel! Our feelings are fickle indeed. So glad that God and his promises are eternal.
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I have heard it said that just because you don’t feel loved, it doesn’t mean you aren’t loved. In the same way even if we don’t feel saved, it doesn’t mean we aren’t saved. The enemy is good at getting us to trip over our doubts and fears. In those hard moments we need to cling to the truth and our faith. God has saved us and he will never let us go. Thanks for sharing!
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I love that – just because we don’t feel loved doesn’t mean we aren’t. Good point. Also, you are wise to point out that the enemy is exceedingly clever in causing us to doubt.
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What an important and very relevant topic to address!! Thank you! I remember feeling very unsure about my salvation as a child and I believe it was a result of the “hell & brimstone” type teaching that used to be used to scare kids into receiving Christ – back where I came from at least. As I actually began to soak in God’s word and build a trusting relationship with a God, I realized that he does not want us to be insecure in his love at all! He loves us. period. And since I sincerely gave my life to him at the age of 17, I haven’t doubted… because scripture is based on faith, not on doubt!! I think a lot of people’s doubts would be stilled if only they would take time to soak in God’s word!
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I understand where you’re coming from exactly, Heather! I had a similar background.
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Amen, Meredith. I sometimes picture God shouting, like an exasperated parent, “Yes, you’re mine! Now, can we please focus on you’re growing in this relationship?”
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The enemy tries to get us to doubt God. He’s been doing it since the very beginning. In the garden he said, “Did God really say?” For this reason, we have the helmet of salvation to guard our minds. I love that you choose the promises of God as our panacea to this doubt. His Word is sufficient. Sola Scriptura.
I enjoy your posts!
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Thanks so very much for the words of wisdom and encouragement!
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This is so good .. “sometimes allow our own feelings and insecurities to transcend God’s promises.” So many live by feelings when faith has nothing to do with what we feel. God’s word is the truth, and it is truth that we cling to. Thanks for writing words of truth. 🙂 Merry Christmas.
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Merry Christmas, Susan! Thank you for your wise words.
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Wonderful post. Salvation is all about God loving us enough to send His precious Son. ❤
I have nominated for The Bee Love Award!
Me and God love you! ❤
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2020/02/22/the-bee-love-award-2-10-2020/
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Thank you, Gail!
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🙂 PTL!
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Praise God for the peace in knowing our salvation is secure. I use to struggle with feeling unsaved. It was a horrible torment. I praise the Lord you and I both will be home soon.:)
Meredith, hope your’s staying safe and well.
I have nominated you for the Vincent Ehindero Blogger Award. Please do not feel obligated to participate. Just sharing a little of God’s love you way. Stay safe. God loves you!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2020/04/18/vincent-ehindero-blogger-award-4-6-2020/
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Thank you, Gail. You are always so kind and encouraging! We are all doing well, and I hope you are also.
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PTL! So glad He allowed me the opportunity to share. And glad your family is doing well. We are blessed, thank you!
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Praise the Lord for Blessed Assurance, Meredith!
I have nominated you for the Ideal Inspiration Blogger Award, Sister.
Below is the link to your nomination! Me and God love you!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2020/07/16/ideal-inspiration-blogger-award-7-11-2020/
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You’re so kind, Gail!
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❤ God is so good
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