"How do I know I am saved?" Some people
see this as a simple question, but is it that simple? If the answer
to this question is so simple, then why does it seem so difficult
for people to find the answer to this question?
Over the years, I have heard other questions
associated with the question, “How do I know I am saved?"
"Are we saved by grace and faith alone, or do works save
us?" "How does one receive salvation?" "Is
there more than one way to heaven?" "Am I saved if my
parents are saved?" "Can I be saved if I am good?",
and so on, and so on.
In the gospel of John chapter 3 verse 16, Jesus
spoke these famous words, “For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.” This
is the key to salvation. It first begins with God’s love
for us. God proved his love by coming down in the form of man
(Jesus) and dying for our sins, and rising from the dead so we
can be saved from our sins. It is the greatest love story ever
told. It ends with our belief in His (God’s) only begotten
Son (Jesus). With these simple ingredients, one is able to find
a never-perishing salvation, and inherit eternal life in heaven
after our time on this earth.
If salvation is so simple then why are there
so many questions surrounding this age-old question, “How
do I know I am saved?” The answer is sin, the very thing
that separated us from God in the first place. When Eve and Adam
ate from the forbidden fruit, as stated in Genesis chapter 3,
humanity fell from God’s grace and entered into sin, otherwise
known as disobedience. Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command
and entered into sin. Sin is what separates us from God, and sin
is what blinds us from the truth, making it difficult for us to
accept Jesus as our savior.
If we have sin in our life, we cannot receive
salvation. Jesus continues with the following statement.
17) For God did not send
His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world
through Him might be saved.
18) He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does
not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed
in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19) And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into
the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because
their deeds were evil.
20) For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not
come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
21) But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds
may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.
John 3:17-21 (NKJV)
As we can see from this statement, it is belief
in the Son of God (Jesus) that saves us. So what is belief? Belief
is practicing good over evil. One can call him or herself a Christian,
but if their actions or deeds are evil, then they never really
knew the light, and are never saved. If we truly love the Light
(Jesus) then our actions will follow in God’s truth, practicing
a life that is free from sin. Practice does not imply that we
will be perfect immediately; however, it does imply that we continually
strive to be perfect. If a person is continually practicing evil,
then they hate the light (Jesus), and will not be saved. However,
if a person practices the truth (sin free life) they will come
to the light (Jesus) and receive salvation.
Salvation is a journey that begins here on this
earth and ends by obtaining the prize, which is, spending eternity
in heaven with God.
1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud
of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us.
2) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God.
3) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)
So how does one begin this race? It is very simple.
Read the following prayer aloud, and believe in your heart, and
follow this prayer with your actions. Then you will be saved.
Prayer of Salvation:
Father God, I know that I am a sinner and need
to be forgiven for my sins. I know that You sent Your Son, Jesus,
to die on the cross for my sins. So I am asking You, Lord Jesus,
to forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. Jesus, I believe
that You are my Savior and confess You as my Lord and Savior.
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, give me
the strength to become an overcomer. I choose this day to walk
in Your steps, Lord Jesus, and surrender my whole life to You.
Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Your name I pray, Amen.
Congratulations! You have just taken the first
step in salvation. Never forget that salvation is a journey, a
race that must be run. The race will end when you die. So “let
us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” together.
Written by: Jason Frank
First Love Christian Church
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