New Christians
It's not uncommon for New Christians to experience occasional doubts regarding their salvation. In this article I will seek to assuage any doubts you might have about your salvation.
So, whether you're a recent convert or simply seeking to reinforce your faith, join us as we explore the key elements that will help you thrive in your Christian walk. Get ready to uncover this "one thing" every new Christian must know for a thriving faith!
I Am Not Sure of This!
While all doubts should be acknowledged and addressed, ongoing worries about one's salvation require resolution. God desires us to have unwavering certainty in our faith.
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” 1 John 5:13.
When we open our hearts to receive Christ, a profound transformation occurs - we become children of God. It's the inception of a remarkable new relationship. Just as loving parents yearn for their children to grow up secure in the embrace of their love, so does our Heavenly Father.
But how can we be sure that our faith is genuine?
A camera tripod has three sturdy legs, each playing a vital role in supporting the camera. Similarly, the assurance of our salvation stands firmly on the combined activity of all three members of the Trinity: Father, son and Holy Spirit.
Tripod Leg 1: The Promises Given By The Father In His Word,
Tripod Leg 2: The Sacrifice Of The Son On The Cross For Us,
Tripod Leg 3: The Assurance Of The Holy Spirit In Our Hearts.
1) The Word of God
If we were to rely on our ever-fluctuating feelings, we'd find it impossible to be sure of anything. Your emotions and mine sway like a pendulum, influenced by the weather or today’s choice of breakfast. They are changeable and, at times, deceptive.
In contrast, the promises in the Bible, the Word of God, remain constant and reliable. Let's examine three such promises:
Revelation 3:20: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Jesus respects our free will and waits for us to invite Him into our lives. When we do, He promises to fellowship with us.
Matthew 28:20: "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Even when we're not acutely aware of it, Jesus is ever-present in our lives, just like colleagues in the same room. His promise never to leave or forsake us holds true.
John 10:28-30: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one."
This promise unequivocally assures us that we cannot lose what God has granted us—eternal life. Though we may wander, if we've sincerely given our lives to Christ, His love and grace will always welcome us back.
2) The Work of Jesus: Past, Present and Future
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead first, confirms the past — thatJesus' work on the cross was victorious. Secondly, it assures the present —that Jesus is alive and empowers us to experience life to the fullest. Lastly, it guarantees the future — that this life isn't the end, but a glorious beginning.
One day, Jesus will return to establish a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1). Those in Christ will be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17), where there's no pain, temptation, suffering, or separation.
Instead, we'll see Jesus face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12), receive glorious resurrection bodies (1 Corinthians 15), and be transformed into His likeness (1 John 3:2). Heaven will be a realm of unending joy and delight beyond human comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:9).
How did we qualify for this? Well, we didn’t. At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself all our wrongdoings. Jesus's substitutionary death removed the barrier that separated us from God. When you accept and embrace what Jesus accomplished on the cross, your guilt is lifted. You can be absolutely certain that you will never face condemnation (Romans 8:1).
The good news of Christianity is not that you must live right , but that you can live right. When you repent and believe, God accepts and adopts you , in order that you may live a holy life and that you may enjoy eternity in His presence.
3) The Holy Spirit: God's Inner Witness
The Holy Spirit confirms our identity as children of God, by imparting a deep and personal conviction within us, a truth that resonates in our hearts: we are indeed God's beloved offspring.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him, we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" Romans 8:15-16.
Carl Tuttle, an American pastor who hailed from a broken home and endured a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse from his father. After becoming a Christian, Carl yearned to hear God's voice.
He decided to spend a day in prayer, far from distractions. However, after a mere fifteen minutes, he felt disheartened, as if he were making no progress. On his drive home, he carried a heavy sense of disappointment.
Upon returning home, he went to see his two-month-old son, Zachary. As he held his baby, an overwhelming surge of love washed over him, and he began to speak to Zachary. "Zachary," he said, "I love you. I love you with all my heart. Regardless of what life brings, I will always protect you, care for you, nurture you, and be your father and friend. No matter what sins you commit or where you go, my love for you will never waver."
In that moment, Carl felt as if he were enveloped in God's embrace, hearing the same words from his Heavenly Father: "Carl, you are my child, and I love you. No matter what path you tread, I will provide for you, guide you, and care for you."
In this profound experience, the Spirit bore witness to Carl's spirit that he was indeed a child of God (Romans 8:16). This inner awareness of our right standing with God is the third pillar of our assurance of a relationship with God.
We know it because the Spirit of God bears witness to us, both objectively through transformation in our character and relationships and subjectively through a deep inner conviction that we are cherished children of God.
Q: What Is The Evidence or Proof of One Who Is Saved?
Salvation Checklist
If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, your confidence in your salvation will be consistently reinforced when you can affirmatively respond to the following questions:
Do I reject the misguided values of our current world system? (1 John 2:15).
Do I hold deep affection for Christ and eagerly anticipate His return? (2 Timothy 4:8).
Do I engage in sinful behavior less frequently than before I became a Christian? (1 John 3:5-6).
Do I find joy in communing with God, Christ, and fellow believers? (1 John 1:3-4).
Am I troubled when I commit sin or witness sin in others? (1 John 1:5-10).
Do I make an effort to adhere to the teachings of the Bible? (1 John 2:3-5).
Do I uphold the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith? (1 John 5:1).
Have I encountered opposition due to my Christian convictions? (John 15:18-20)
Do I demonstrate love toward fellow believers? (1 John 3:14).
Am I conscious of the Holy Spirit's witness to God's truths? (Romans 8:15-16).
Lastly, don't walk this journey alone. Seek out a supportive faith community where you can share your experiences and learn from others. Fellowship with fellow believers is like a warm embrace, reinforcing your Assurance of Salvation.
Stay tuned for more inspiring insights and practical guidance on your Christian journey. May your faith continue to flourish, and may Jesus shine more brightly in your life.