Hey there! I'm glad you're back for our third lesson together. Today we're talking about something that many new believers struggle with - having confidence that you're truly saved. Maybe you've had thoughts like, "Did I do it right?" or "Am I really a Christian?" or even "What if I lose my salvation?" These are normal questions, and God's Word gives us clear answers.
First John 5:13 says, "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." Did you catch that? God wants you to know - not hope, not wonder, not worry - but know with certainty that you have eternal life. Assurance of salvation isn't arrogance; it's taking God at His word.
Think about adoption for a moment. When a couple legally adopts a child, that child becomes their son or daughter by declaration of the court. The adoption isn't based on the child's performance or perfect behavior. It's a legal reality established by the authority of the judge. In a far more significant way, God has declared you His child based on your faith in Jesus Christ - not because of your performance but because of His grace.
The Bible gives us three powerful sources of assurance. First, we have God's promises in Scripture. Jesus said in John 6:37, "Whoever comes to me I will never drive away." That's a promise! Second, we have the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 tells us, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." The Holy Spirit confirms this truth in your heart. Third, we have the evidence of a changed life. While salvation isn't based on our works, a genuine relationship with Christ will begin to produce fruit in our lives over time.
Now, let me address a common concern: Can you lose your salvation? Based on Scripture, the answer is no. Jesus said in John 10:28-29, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will 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." Your salvation isn't maintained by your perfect performance but by Christ's perfect work and God's unchanging promises.
That said, the evidence of genuine salvation is a life that continues in faith. Not perfectly, but persistently. We all stumble, but true believers get back up and continue following Jesus. The question isn't perfection but direction.
This week, I encourage you to write down three or four key Bible verses about salvation and assurance. Put them somewhere you'll see them daily - maybe on your bathroom mirror or as the lock screen on your phone. When doubts come, don't rely on your feelings - stand firmly on God's promises.
Remember, your assurance isn't based on your grip on God but on His grip on you. And I promise you, He's holding on tight and He will never let you go. That's the good news of the gospel - not just that we're saved, but that we can know we're saved with confidence because of who God is and what Christ has done!
Talk soon!