How can I obtain assurance of my salvation?

All Questions, Salvation

How can I obtain assurance of my salvation?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 8, 2025

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In order to answer this question, let’s examine some of the struggles Christians experience in their search for the assurance of salvation.

  • There are some Christians who lack a biblical understanding of salvation. As a result, they neglect the fact that there is an built-in element of eternal security/assurance of their souls when they place their trust in Christ.
  • There are some who minimize the doctrine of salvation completely and do not place any importance on it. In contrast, they emphasize other aspects such as gifts, service in ministry, promises in the Bible, and living a successful earthly life.
  • Last but not least, there is a group of Christians that have been misguided by poorly exegetical sermons, leading them to doubt their salvation.

Sadly, when doubtful Christians seek assurance, they are told things like “remember the prayer you prayed when you came to Christ” or to “look at the date written in the back of your bible when you were baptized.”

Cliche statements like these aren’t helpful at all. Instead, we should ask ourselves simple questions like “What do I love?” or “What do I have strong affection for?”

The Bible reinforces that if you have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, you are a new creation in Christ, so there are going to be signs that you have been saved.

Here are three basic characteristics of a true believer:

  • The first mark is love. As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will have a strong affection for Him. Furthermore, you will love the Scriptures and be inclined to obey Christ’s commands (these are not the experiences or affections of an unbeliever, but are evidence of God’s work within you). In addition, you will love the body of Christ (the believers and the church). Last but not least, you will develop a deep love for the lost.
  • The second mark is humility. Humility is a hallmark of a true believer. As Christians grow in gratitude toward Christ for saving them, they will have an increasing sense of brokenness because of their sinfulness. In addition, they will display less pride, boasting, and self-exaltation.
  • Lastly, you will desire to do right and live a righteous life. You will always desire to pursue God’s ways in your heart.

To summarize, it is not the accomplishments or perfections of your life that demonstrate your salvation; it is the direction in which your life is heading in love, humility and righteousness.

True assurance of salvation is found in a life marked by love, humility, and a desire for righteousness.

What does it mean to workout your salvation with fear and trembling?

All Questions, Salvation

What does it mean to workout your salvation with fear and trembling?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 8, 2025

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Philippians 2:12 is a well-known verse among Christians, yet it is often misunderstood. Many interpret it as a command to “work for your salvation,” but the scripture clearly says to “work out your salvation.” These two phrases carry very different meanings.

The Bible is explicit that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit, who regenerates us and leads us to Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. So, what does Paul mean when he says, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”?

Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

When Paul wrote these words, he wasn’t suggesting that we maintain or achieve our salvation through our efforts. Instead, he was urging believers to “live out” their salvation—allowing the salvation that God has worked within us to manifest in our daily lives. This is the essence of the Christian life: to let our light shine before others so that God is glorified (Matthew 5:16).

The Misinterpretation: Working for Salvation

Over the years, many have wrongly understood this verse to mean that we must work to maintain, keep, or achieve our salvation. This misunderstanding leads to a life filled with fear, where people are constantly worried about committing sins that might cost them their salvation. However, this is not biblical living.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Salvation is a gift from God, based solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. We are justified by faith alone in Christ alone. There will be no boasting in heaven about our good deeds; rather, we will all be grateful for the grace that brought us there.

The idea that we could contribute to our salvation by our works contradicts the very nature of God’s grace. As the New Testament makes clear, none of us can live a life good enough to earn salvation, for our deeds are tainted with imperfection and sin.

The Role of Works in Salvation

However, the Bible also teaches that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). This is not a contradiction but rather a clarification of the relationship between faith and works. True faith naturally produces good works as its fruit. We do not need works to complete our salvation; instead, our works are evidence of the salvation that has already been accomplished by Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our good works are the result of God’s work in us, not a means to earn His favor. Jesus accomplished our salvation fully; we do not contribute to it by our efforts.

To “work out our salvation” is to engage in the daily battle against sin, striving for obedience through the means of grace—prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship. We are to utilize these means to live out what God has already accomplished in us.

It is also essential to note that we can only “work out our salvation” because the Holy Spirit empowers us to do so. This is made evident from the following verse;

Philippians 2:13 (NKJV)
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

God works in us, empowering our desires and actions so that we can live out our salvation. We are not alone in this journey; God is actively involved in our sanctification.

Fear and Trembling: A Healthy Motivation

What about the “fear and trembling” mentioned in Philippians 2:12? This phrase refers to the attitude with which we should approach our sanctification. It doesn’t imply living in constant terror but rather maintaining a healthy sense of awe and respect for God. It is an acknowledgment of the seriousness of sin and the need for diligence in our spiritual walk.

Psalm 119:97 (NKJV)
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

As we mature in our faith, the fear of God often transitions to a deep love for His ways, as exemplified by David in the Psalms. Yet, this fear and trembling serve as a necessary motivation in our early stages of sanctification, helping us avoid sin and pursue holiness.

Conclusion

“Working out your salvation” does not mean earning it by works, but rather living in a way that reflects the salvation you have received. It is about making salvation operational in your life, producing the fruit of good works through the power of the Holy Spirit. As you grow in your faith, remember that God is at work in you, enabling you to will and to act according to His good pleasure.

Working out salvation means living out what God has already worked in us, through His power, for His glory.

Is all sin the same?

All Questions, Salvation

Is all Sin the same?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 5, 2025

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Upon reading the Scriptures, it becomes clear that there are varying degrees of punishment depending on what kind of sin we commit.

While all sin eventually leads to death, the Scriptures clearly distinguishes between lesser and greater sins.

In some cases, people think, “Since I already lusted after the person, I might as well finish the action – all sin is the same, right?” Well not necessarily. By following through with the action, you’d be committing another, more serious violation of your previous sin.

When Jesus explains the sin of lust during the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:28), He doesn’t say that it is as bad as committing adultery, but rather, He points out that even if you refrained from the actual act of adultery, it does not mean that you have been totally obedient to the commandment.

Jesus here expands on the implications and consequences of acting out our sin. Take for example murder In God’s eyes, is a far worse sin than hating someone, even though they are both sins, there are degrees to sin, and some sins (like murder) are far worse than others.

When it comes to our eternal salvation, all sins are the same in that every sin leads to eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23); while this might be terrifying, we must note that there is no sin too “big” that God can’t forgive because Christ paid the penalty for our sins (1 John 2:2).

So to conclude our understanding:

Are all sins equal to God? Yes and no.

Are all sins equal in severity? No.

Do all sins lead to the same death penalty? Yes.

Are all sins forgivable? Yes.

Here are some scriptures that show there is a distinction between the various kinds of sins:

Each individual sin will have a proper consequence to that sin. 

Hebrews 2:2 (NKJV)

For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

There is a distinction in God’s justice as He metes out the punishment for the crime. 

Under the Mosaic Law, we see how each punishment fits the crime;

Exodus 21:24 (NKJV)

eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

As you can see, each punishment corresponds to a particular crime. It is not an eye for a tooth or a tooth for an eye. Sins are punished consistently in accordance to their nature.

In the Mosaic Law, some sins were punishable by death, while others were not.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of God’s judgment for each according to the deeds committed in the flesh.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

If it’s according to each, that would indicate an individual judgment in which there would be some variation.

In conclusion, while the Scriptures acknowledge that all sin ultimately leads to separation from God, it also distinguishes between the severity of different sins. This is evident in the varying degrees of consequences and judgments described for different transgressions. Jesus’ teachings, such as those in the Sermon on the Mount, highlight that sin is not just about actions, but also about intentions and thoughts. However, the degree of sin’s severity in human actions does vary.

Ultimately, the message of the gospel is one of redemption and forgiveness through Christ, who paid the penalty for all sins, regardless of their severity. This underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and striving towards righteousness, while understanding that God’s justice is perfectly balanced with His mercy.

All sin separates us from God, but Scripture affirms varying degrees of severity and consequences—yet Christ's sacrifice covers them all.

Can you repent at the moment of death and still be saved?

All Questions, Salvation

Can you repent at the moment of death and still be saved?

Category

Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 5, 2025

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In order to answer this question, we must first define repentance.

Repentance comes in two forms, attrition and contrition. 

Attrition is the turning away from sin or guilt motivated to merely escape punishment. Contrition on the other hand goes beyond the fear of punishment. It comes from a deep sense of awareness that a wrong has been committed, leading to a conscious decision to stop doing that wrong. The Bible describes contrition as true repentance.

The concept of attrition is best exemplified by the analogy of a child who does not feel guilty about stealing candy until he is caught with a bunch of candy in his pocket and his parents chase him with a stick. There is something suspicious about this kind of repentance motivated to avoid punishment (what we would call an escape ticket out of hell). 

Contrition can be seen in the text of scripture where David’s heart was broken before God, and he said, “O God, a broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (Psalms 51:17); here, David felt genuine Godly sorrow. David showed true repentance by realizing his error and turning from it.

Now getting to the meat of the question; 

Is there any hope for those who repent at the last minute of their lives? 

Yes, if their repentance is genuine, they will be saved. A good example of someone who found salvation at the very end of his life is the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). 

There is a simple requirement for entering the kingdom of God: repent and believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior.

So, people can be justified by repenting, believing at the end of their lives. If their repentance is genuine, they will escape hell’s punishment and enter the kingdom.

Despite this encouraging truth, there must be a disclaimer because there are many false professions being made on deathbeds.

If a person rejects Christianity their entire life, but on their deathbed (decides to play it safe), and profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they would not be accepted into heaven due to their wrong motives. 

It is imperative to note that redemption does not come through a profession of faith but by having a possession of faith. 

People who have faith (that is sent from above) are called to profess it. However, merely professing faith does not guarantee anything. 

As discussed, salvation requires authentic repentance. Without repentance, a profession of faith would be invalid and inconsistent with Biblical principles.

In conclusion, there isn’t any wisdom in waiting until your deathbed to change your life because you can’t know when that time will come. Yet, at the same time, if you are on your deathbed or know someone who is, sharing the message of the gospel and calling for repentance is the best thing to do—then leave the saving in God’s hands. Salvation is ultimately a matter of the heart, and only God knows the sincerity of one’s repentance.

True repentance, even at life's end, leads to salvation—but only God knows the sincerity of the heart.

How can I know if I am one of the elect?

All Questions, Salvation

How would I know if I am one of the elect?

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Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 7, 2025

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Chosen by God from eternity past

The Bible teaches that each believer was elected or chosen by God from the beginning to be saved (2 Thess. 2:13), with the promise that they would be among the ‘elect’ gathered to God on the final day (Matt. 24:31).

2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth

Matthew 24:31 (NKJV)

And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Am I one of the elect?

Naturally, on reading verses on God’s election, believers are often led to question whether they are one of God’s elect.

John 6:44 (NKJV)

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

In the above verse, Jesus described the one (the believer) the Father gives to the Son as none other than the one (believer) who comes to Him. This might sound confusing, but here is a simple breakdown;  

From God’s view – we are given to the Son by His sovereign decree and purpose. 

From Human’s view – we come to Christ through faith (given by the Father), believing in the Son’s redemptive work on the cross. 

The wonderful promise – is that Christ would never reject anyone who comes (sincerely and submissively) as a love gift from the Father. 

Divine sovereignty and human responsibility

Only those given to the Son by the Father will come to Him (John 6:44). Yet, all who are thirsty may come, and anyone who wishes to take the water of life will be given it freely. 

Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Though these may seem impossible to harmonize, there is no conflict between those two truths in the infinite mind of God. It is God who saves yet also gives the faith necessary for believing.

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NKJV)

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Evangelism is still important

Most importantly, we should note that even though God is sovereign in salvation, it does not negate the believer’s responsibility to evangelize the lost.

(Matt. 24:14; 26:13; 28:19; Mark 13:10; cf. Acts 8:25, 40; 14:7, 15, 21; 16:10; Rom. 1:15; 15:19–20; 1 Cor. 1:17; 9:16, 18; 15:1; 2 Cor. 10:16; 11:7; Gal. 1:8–9, 11; 2:2; Phil. 4:15; 1 Peter 1:12).

We should obediently spread the Gospel of Christ, knowing that the Son would never reject any part of the Father’s gift to Him.

Jesus saves all who come to Him

The will of the Father is that Jesus saves all that the Father has given Him.

Jesus came to earth for one purpose only, to do the will of the Father who sent Him (John 6:38, 4:34, 5:30, 17:4 and Matt 26:39).

This truth guarantees the salvation of the elect and is a glorious promise that we can rest in knowing that the son will lose none that the Father has given Him (John 6:44).

The perseverance and protection of the saints;

The New Testament echoes the Lord’s teaching regarding the perseverance and protection of the saints. For example, the apostle Paul’s teaching in Romans;

Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The repeated phrase “He also” links the entire salvation process from eternity past to eternity future in an unbreakable chain.

All whom God foreknew are predestined, called, justified, and glorified; and no one will be lost along the way (Romans 8:31–39 /  Philippians 1:6 / Col. 3:3–4).

The saving prayer of Jesus;

We can even see the doctrine of election in the specific “saving” prayer of Jesus;.

John 17:9 (NKJV)

“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.

Here specifically, we see Jesus praying His High priestly prayer for the elect, for those he loved and chose before the foundation of the world.   

Ephesians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Conclusion

If you have a deep sense of conviction in your heart about the things of Christ and have a sense of love and submission for Him, then you can rest assured that you are one of the elect.

If you do not have this conviction at the moment, the call is still available for you today to believe in the saving work of Jesus Christ, repent of your sins and come to Him. 

Ultimately predestination / election is a family secret, recognized only from the inside. By an act of the will, we step through a gateway placarded by the words, ‘Whoever is thirsty, let him come.’ We enter only to look back and see the caption on the inside of the gate, ‘Chosen in him before the creation of the world’ (Eph. 1:4).

The truth does not lie in the balance of these two affirmations, but it purely rests on both extremes. 

God's sovereign election and human responsibility coexist—those who come to Christ find they were chosen by Him from eternity past.

What are the signs that I have been saved?

All Questions, Salvation

What are the signs that I have been saved?

Category

Salvation,   All Questions

Last Updated

Jan 30, 2025

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A major question believers ask regarding salvation is how do they know their salvation is real and assured? This is a very important question in the Christian life. Many believers doubt their salvation because they don’t see the “signs” of genuine faith in their lives.

According to the Bible, we should examine ourselves to determine if we are believers and are truly “in the faith”:

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV)

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified.

Thankfully, the apostle John has given us ample instruction for how we can know for sure that we have eternal life.

John 5:13 (NKJV)

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Here are a series of tests in 1 John that we can use to examine ourselves and our faith.

  • Do you enjoy having fellowship with Christ and His redeemed people? (1 John 1:3 / John 13:35 / 1 John 4:20-21)
  • Would people say you walk in the light, or walk in the darkness? (1 John 1:6-7)
  • Do you admit and confess your sin? Do you repent continuously? (1 John 1:8-10)
  • Are you obedient to God’s Word & His commands? (1 John 2:3-5)
  • Does your life indicate you love God rather than the world? (1 John 2:15)
  • Is your life characterized by “doing what is right”? (1 John 2:29)
  • Do you seek to maintain a pure life? (1 John 3:3)
  • Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life? (1 John 3:5-6) [Note: this refers to not continuing in sin as a way of life, not a total absence of sin.]
  • Do you demonstrate love for other Christians? (1 John 3:14)
  • Do you “walk the walk,” versus just “talking the talk”? (1 John 3:18-19)
  • Do you maintain a clear conscience? (1 John 3:21)
  • Do you experience victory in your Christian walk? (1 John 5:4)

If you are able to truthfully answer “Yes” to these questions (or a majority of them, and are working on the others), then your life is bearing the fruit of true salvation.

Another important way we can know our faith is genuine is when we persevere through trials. The testing of our faith produces endurance (James 1:2-4). When we go through life’s many trials and we persevere with endurance that experience is something that builds a strong assurance.

As great men of faith look back on their lives, they will always tell you their faith has grown stronger because it has survived every test.

When we face hard times, we may notice our faith is supernaturally elevated and we have a great sense of grace that strengthens us. The experience of a life surrendered to Christ diminishes doubt and gives the believer security.

You may say that having faith is difficult, but have you exercised your faith during difficult times? Are you relying on God? Have you examined your life once you have gained victory to see God’s hand at work? Or have you assumed that it was all in your own efforts?

Faith that has been tested assures the believer.  From the points above, we can see that it is not the perfection of your life that demonstrates your salvation, but rather the direction. The direction of love, devotion, service, transformation, humility and righteousness.

True salvation is reflected not in perfection, but in the direction of our lives—faith, love, obedience, and perseverance confirming our assurance in Christ.

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