Assurance of Salvation

The Bible teaches that we are saved by the grace of God through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, not by any good deeds that we do. See Ephesians 2:8,9; John 3:16. 

We are saved from condemnation in order to do good works. See Ephesians 2:10. It is very important to see the order in Ephesians 2:8-10: first, we are saved by grace through faith alone, and second, we do good works because we love God. Other major religions of the world teach that one must do good works to move toward God. Christianity teaches that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient for people to receive eternal life with God. Life with God is a free gift to all who believe. 

Faith that leads to salvation is much more than simply believing that Jesus is the Son of God—even the demons understand that Jesus is the Son of God. Saving faith is not merely intellectual understanding; it involves a change of heart. Saving faith involves a commitment to receive Jesus as Lord of our lives—it is trusting Jesus to give us life. Saving faith results in a change in our lifestyle—we turn from sinful ways and follow Christ. 

The first letter of John teaches that we can know that we have received eternal life. See 1 John 5:13. If you have doubts about your salvation, study 1 John. The scriptures give sufficient proof of salvation to anyone who is truly seeking to follow God. 

May God bless you.