How to Know If You're Really Saved

Assurance of salvation is something all Christians want and need. Most pastors will readily admit that assurance of salvation is one of the most popular subjects and that they are often asked, "How do I know if I'm really saved?"

Not long ago this question wasn't asked as much as it is today because for years it was thought that all people had to do was say a prayer, asking Jesus into their heart and they would be saved. Today, we know better.

What was commonly called "the sinner's prayer" was started years ago and was considered by all Christians as the way of salvation. It came from Revelation 3:20 which says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." It was believed that Jesus stands at the door of our heart and if we let Him in we are saved.

Jesus is talking to the church in this passage and He is standing at the door of the church, not the heart. Nowhere in Scripture is it said that Jesus stands at the door of our heart. Moreover, there is no Scripture that says we are to ask Jesus to come into our heart.

How are we saved?

We are saved by acknowledging our sin (all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Rom.3:23) and realizing our need for a Savior. We hear or read the Gospel, namely, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1Cor.15:3) Then we turn from sin and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We depend on His atoning work on the Cross for our salvation.

How do we receive Jesus?

This is somewhat debated but in John 3, Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be born again. He said that the wind (Spirit) blows where it will. Some believe that when people hear the gospel and believe (receive) it, the Holy Spirit unties with their spirit and they are born again. Others, while agreeing totally with this, also believe that when this happens we must pray and ask Jesus to come into our lives as Lord and Savior; which certainly wouldn't hurt and is the most popular belief among Christian leaders.

How do we know if we are really saved?

The Bible clearly says that the rebirth will bring about changes in a person's life. It may be instantaneous or could take years but there is a change that takes place. A hunger for the Word develops along with a desire to obey and please God.

Those who are born again undergo a change in priority. They are no longer consumed with the affairs of this world. Former ways begin to fall away as Christ is being formed in them. Selfish ways and ambitions fall away as they grow in Christ. The Bible, which before was boring, becomes interesting as it contains the very words of God that feed and nourish their growing spirit.

What if I haven't really changed? Is it possible that I may not be saved?

Only God knows what is in the heart so only He can answer that question. However, Jesus said that the pathway to heaven is narrow and the pathway to hell is wide. He also said that not everyone who says to Him, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of God and that in the end He will say to some, "Depart from me, I never knew you." (Matt.7:23)

Apparently then, it doesn't matter as much that you know Jesus but that He knows you. The question we must ask ourselves is do we have a genuine relationship with Him? Do we fellowship with Him? Do we acknowledge Him at all during the course of our day? Or do we leave Him out of what's happening in our lives? Is He merely a stepping stone to the Father? Do we acknowledge Him before others? Or are we embarrassed that people may think we're a fanatic?

"Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." (Matt.32)

Anyone who doubts their salvation should go to the Bible. The book of John is the best place to start as it focuses on the Deity of Christ and salvation. Chapter 3 is where the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus is recorded which addresses salvation through the rebirth. Chapter 14 through 17 is where Jesus gives personal instructions to His disciples before the Crucifixion.

Pray as you study. Ask God to open your eyes and allow the Holy Spirit to testify to you of Christ. "...the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my (Jesus) name, he will teach you all things." (John 14:25)

To say that salvation is important is a gross understatement. Our eternal destiny depends upon it. John's gospel is indeed an important work and should be studied often. His epistles are also packed with depth and meaning along with the Revelation which the Lord showed him concerning the things which pertain to the end of the age and the consummation of all things.

Therefore, in conclusion, if a change has not taken place in your life since you believed, it is imperative that you go to God and go to the Scriptures. Belief alone is not salvation. "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" (James 2:19)

This does not mean that we are saved by works but rather that if we are saved, it will be evident by our works. People that have been born again are changed and their works demonstrate this change. Ask yourself, if being born again was against the law, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Your answer to this question should be a strong indication of whether or not you are truly saved.