Am I Still Born Again? Confirming Your Salvation
Have you ever questioned your salvation? Have you wondered if you’re still truly Born-Again, saved, and walking with Jesus Christ? It’s a deeply personal and sometimes unsettling inquiry that many Christians face at some point in their faith journey. I know I have.
There have been times when doubts and fears have crept in, leaving me feeling uncertain about my standing with God. But let me tell you, friend, it’s a question worth exploring because finding assurance in our salvation is essential for our spiritual growth and peace of mind.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “How do I know I am still born-again?” or seeking evidence of being saved, you’re not alone. In this article, we will delve into the unshakable pillars of assurance of salvation, examining the trustworthiness of Scripture, the finished work of Jesus Christ, the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, and the evidence of a changed life in Christ. By understanding these pillars, you can confirm your salvation and find the reassurance you seek.
Key Takeaways:
- Confirming your salvation is essential for spiritual growth and peace of mind.
- Many Christians have questioned their salvation at some point.
- Exploring the pillars of assurance can provide reassurance and confirmation of salvation.
- The trustworthiness of Scripture, the finished work of Jesus, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and a changed life in Christ are the pillars to examine.
- By understanding these pillars, you can find the reassurance you seek in your salvation.
Pillar 1: God Cannot Lie!
The assurance of salvation is rooted in the trustworthiness of Scripture. The Bible, God’s Word, contains His promises to save all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, His death on the Cross, and God raising Him from the dead. When we sincerely call upon the name of the Lord with confession of our sinful acts, genuine repentance, and faith in His finished work, we are assured of salvation.
Jesus Himself affirms that He will never cast out anyone who comes to Him. This means that if we genuinely turn to Jesus and trust in Him, we can be confident in our salvation because God cannot lie.
God’s promises are unchanging and reliable. They are the foundation of our assurance of salvation. By placing our trust in what God says in His Word, we can have the reassurance that our salvation is secure.
The Trustworthiness of Scripture
The trustworthiness of Scripture is vital for our assurance of salvation. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is God’s inspired revelation to humanity. It is divinely inspired and serves as the ultimate authority for our faith and practice.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
God’s promises are embedded within the pages of Scripture, providing us with the assurance that we can trust in His Word. The Bible is our reliable guide, pointing us to the path of salvation and giving us confidence that what God has promised, He will fulfill.
Salvation Grounded in God’s Word
Our assurance of salvation is based on the truth revealed in God’s Word. It is not dependent on our feelings, experiences, or circumstances. Instead, our confidence rests on the solid foundation of God’s promises.
Consider the following Scriptures that emphasize salvation based on God’s Word (NASB):
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
- Acts 16:31: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
- Romans 10:9: “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
These verses, among many others, illustrate that salvation is not based on our own efforts or merits but on placing our faith in Jesus Christ and the truth of God’s Word.
| Key Points | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Salvation is based on God’s promises | John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9 |
| The trustworthiness of Scripture | 2 Timothy 3:16 |
In conclusion, our assurance of salvation is firmly grounded in the trustworthiness of Scripture. The Bible contains God’s promises of salvation, and we can trust His Word because He cannot lie. By relying on the truth of God’s promises and placing our faith in Jesus Christ, we can have full confidence in our salvation.
Pillar 2: Jesus Paid It All
The second pillar of assurance is based on the finished work of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid for all our sins, past, present, and future. His sacrifice was sufficient to atone for our sins and reconcile us to God. As we trust in Christ’s perfect sacrifice, we can have certainty of eternal life. No matter how great our sin, God’s grace is greater, and through faith in Jesus, our sin debt is fully paid.
Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross is central to the assurance of salvation. Redemption refers to the act of buying back or paying a price to free someone from captivity or slavery. In the case of our salvation, Jesus offered Himself as the ultimate payment for our sins. Through His sacrifice, He purchased our freedom from the bondage of sin and provided a way for us to be reconciled with God.
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NASB)
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. When we consider the weight of our sins and the price that was paid, it becomes clear that no sin is too great and no person is beyond redemption. Jesus’ finished work on the cross is the ultimate assurance that our sins are forgiven and our salvation is secure.
The forgiveness of sins is closely tied to the finished work of Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Our sins are not merely overlooked or brushed aside; they are completely washed away by the blood of Jesus. This forgiveness is not temporary or conditional but is granted once and for all to those who put their trust in Him.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace.” – Ephesians 1:7 (NASB)
This assurance of forgiveness gives us great comfort and peace. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are no longer held captive by our past mistakes and failures. The finished work of Jesus on the cross provides the assurance that we are forgiven, accepted, and loved by God.
| Key Points | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Jesus’ sacrifice paid for all our sins | Hebrews 10:10, 1 Peter 2:24 |
| His sacrifice provides redemption and reconciliation | Colossians 1:20-22, 1 Peter 3:18 |
| Through Christ, we are forgiven and made righteous | 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 3:22-24 |
Pillar 3: The Great Convincer
When it comes to the assurance of salvation, the third pillar is the inward witness of the Holy Spirit. This is a powerful and unique aspect of our faith that brings us absolute certainty. As believers, we understand that only the Holy Spirit can truly convince our hearts of our salvation.
The Holy Spirit is not only our guide and counselor, but He also dwells within each and every one of us who have put our trust in Jesus Christ. It is through His indwelling presence that the Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God. This inward witness is a powerful confirmation of our genuine belief in Christ and our assurance of salvation.
Just as a child knows they belong to their parents, the inward witness of the Holy Spirit assures us that we belong to Christ. It is His ministry to convince us that we have been truly saved and that we have become part of the family of God. This powerful conviction comes from deep within our hearts and cannot be counterfeited or duplicated by anything else.
“Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba! Father!'” – Galatians 4:6 (NASB)
Through the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, we experience a deep sense of peace, joy, and assurance in our relationship with God. This conviction is not based on our own feelings or emotions but on the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is a constant reminder that we are God’s beloved children and that our salvation is secure.
The inward witness of the Holy Spirit is like a beacon of light that illuminates our faith and provides us with unwavering confidence in our salvation. It is an intimate and personal connection with God that cannot be shaken by doubt or uncertainty. The Holy Spirit speaks directly to our spirits, assuring us of our genuine belief in Christ and the reality of our salvation.
As we continue to walk closely with God and rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can rest in the assurance that we belong to Christ. His presence within us serves as a constant reminder of His faithfulness and love. It is through the inward witness of the Holy Spirit that we can confidently affirm our assurance of salvation and know that we are truly saved.
Pillar 4: New Life in Christ
The fourth pillar of assurance is the evidence of a changed life in Christ. As born-again believers, we undergo a transformation that is reflected in our actions and character. While we will never be perfect in this life, there are spiritual fruits that manifest in the lives of those who have truly experienced salvation.
The book of First John outlines the key characteristics of a new life in Christ. These characteristics serve as strong evidence of our salvation. Let’s explore these vital signs:
- Love for others: When we have a genuine relationship with Christ, His love flows through us, and we demonstrate selfless love toward others.
- Love for God: Our love for God grows as we experience His grace and mercy. We prioritize our relationship with Him above everything else.
- Obedience to God’s commandments: A transformed heart desires to honor God’s commandments and live in accordance with His will.
- Refusal of worldly desires: As we grow closer to Christ, our desires align with His, and we reject the sinful temptations of the world.
- Understanding of biblical truth: The Holy Spirit empowers us to comprehend and apply the truth of God’s Word in our daily lives.
- Righteous behavior: Our actions reflect the righteousness of Christ living within us, as we strive to live a life that pleases Him.
- Opposition from the world: Our commitment to Christ may result in opposition or persecution from those who do not share our faith.
- Answered prayer: As we walk in fellowship with God, our prayers align with His will, and we experience the faithfulness of His answers.
These signs of a changed life in Christ provide strong confirmation of our salvation. They assure us that our faith is real and that we are securely grounded in Christ.
Finding Assurance in God’s Word
The assurance of salvation is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It is not based on our subjective experiences or works, but on the objective truth found in God’s Word. The Bible provides us with the assurance that eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, and those who believe in Him can know that they have eternal life.
“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. The one who has the Son has the life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” – 1 John 5:11-13 (NASB)
In this verse, the apostle John assures us that by believing in Jesus and accepting Him as our Savior, we can have the confident trust that we are saved and have eternal life. We can find our assurance in the promises that God has declared and the faithfulness of His Word.
Trusting in God’s promises means believing that what He has said in His Word is true and dependable. His promises are not empty words but a firm foundation upon which we can build our faith. By relying on His promises, we can find peace and assurance in our salvation.
Just as God cannot lie, His promises are steadfast and sure. When we trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, we can have the confidence that our salvation is secure. It is not based on our performance or our ability to keep the law, but on God’s unchanging faithfulness and grace.
As we meditate on the Scriptures, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness throughout history. We see how He fulfilled His promises to the people of Israel, how He sent His Son to redeem humanity, and how He continues to work in the lives of believers today.
God’s Word provides us with the assurance we need in times of doubt and uncertainty. It is a source of comfort and guidance, reminding us of His unfailing love and promises. By trusting in God’s Word, we can have the confidence that we are saved and secure in our relationship with Him.
Trusting in God’s Promises: A Table of Assurance
| God’s Promises | Assurance of Salvation |
|---|---|
| For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. | We have the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. |
| The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. | God’s faithfulness assures us of His love and commitment to those who trust in Him. |
| If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. | God’s forgiveness assures us of His cleansing and restoration when we turn to Him in repentance. |
| I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. | Jesus’ words assure us that He is the only way to a restored relationship with God. |
By placing our trust in God’s promises and relying on His Word, we can find the assurance of salvation. It is through the objective truth of God’s Word that we can confidently trust in His faithfulness and know that we are saved.
The Unshakable Promise of Eternal Security
The doctrine of “once saved, always saved,” or eternal security, affirms that a Christian cannot lose their salvation. This doctrine is grounded in the belief that God’s promises are irrevocable and that He will never leave or forsake His children. The Bible repeatedly assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God and that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in Jesus are eternally secure in their salvation.
God’s promise of eternal security is a source of great comfort and reassurance for believers. It means that our salvation does not depend on our own efforts or works, but on the faithfulness of God. We can rest in the knowledge that our salvation is secure and that we are eternally loved and accepted by Him.
” For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
Understanding and embracing the concept of eternal security can have a profound impact on our faith. It frees us from the fear and uncertainty of losing our salvation and allows us to fully experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. It gives us the confidence to approach God with boldness and assurance, knowing that we are His beloved children.
Key Points:
- Once a person is genuinely saved, they cannot lose their salvation.
- God’s promises are irrevocable, and He will never leave or forsake His children.
- Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing their eternal security.
The Unshakable Promise
God’s unshakable promise of eternal security is a foundational truth in the Christian faith. It brings peace, assurance, and confidence in our salvation. We can rest in the knowledge that once we are saved, we are forever secure in the love and grace of our heavenly Father.
Understanding the Nature of Salvation
To have a solid foundation for assurance of salvation, it is important to understand the nature of salvation. Salvation goes beyond forgiveness of sins; it offers new life in Christ. The Bible teaches that all humans are born spiritually dead and separated from God. Through faith in Jesus, we receive new spiritual life and are reconciled to God. This transformation from spiritual death to spiritual life is a one-time event and is the basis for our eternal security.
Salvation is not just a label or a mere change in behavior. It is a complete transformation from the inside out. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, something supernatural takes place within us. We are spiritually reborn and become new creations in Christ. This new life in Christ brings us into a personal relationship with God, where we can experience His love, grace, and guidance.
Understanding the nature of salvation helps us grasp the significance of our faith and the assurance we have in Christ. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts or merit. It is a free gift from God, secured through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
The Apostle Paul explains the transformative nature of salvation in his letter to the Corinthians:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
This verse highlights the radical change that occurs when we are united with Christ. Our old sinful nature is put to death, and we are given a new identity in Him. This new life in Christ empowers us to live in righteousness, love, and obedience to God.
Through salvation, we are no longer slaves to sin but are set free to live according to God’s will. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, guiding us, transforming us, and producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. This ongoing work of sanctification assures us that we are indeed saved and that our faith is genuine.
The Significance of Spiritual Rebirth
The concept of spiritual rebirth is central to understanding salvation. Just as we are physically born into this world, we need to be spiritually born into the family of God. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, a religious leader, saying:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3 (NASB)
Being born again is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual one. It involves a complete transformation at the core of our being, where God’s Spirit breathes new life into us and makes us spiritually alive. This spiritual rebirth is only made possible through faith in Jesus Christ.
When we are born again, we experience a radical change in our desires, priorities, and values. The things that once held our affections lose their grip, and we find joy, peace, and fulfillment in our relationship with God. Our hearts are turned towards Him, and we begin to align our lives with His purposes and plans.
The Assurance of New Life in Christ
Understanding the nature of salvation gives us the assurance that our new life in Christ is secure. We can trust in the promises of God and rely on His faithfulness to keep us in His love and grace.
The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans, affirming the security of our salvation:
” For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 (NASB)
This verse assures us that nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love and the new life we have in Christ. Our salvation is not dependent on our circumstances, emotions, or even our own faithfulness. It is dependent on the finished work of Jesus and the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.
We can find great comfort and security in this truth. Our assurance of salvation rests not on our own abilities but on the unchanging nature of God and His eternal promises.
- Salvation goes beyond forgiveness of sins; it offers new life in Christ.
- Understanding the nature of salvation helps us grasp the significance of our faith and the assurance we have in Christ.
- Salvation is a complete transformation from the inside out, made possible through the finished work of Jesus on the cross.
- Through faith in Jesus, we receive new spiritual life and are reconciled to God.
- As new creations in Christ, we are empowered to live in righteousness, love, and obedience to God.
- Spiritual rebirth involves a radical change at the core of our being, where God’s Spirit breathes new life into us and makes us spiritually alive.
- Our new life in Christ is secure, as nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God.
- Our assurance of salvation rests on the unchanging nature of God and His eternal promises.
God’s Promise of Never Leaving Us
One of the most assuring aspects of our salvation is God’s faithfulness and His promise to never leave or forsake us. Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of God’s unwavering commitment to His children. This assurance gives us the confidence to trust in Him and rely on His promises.
Jesus Himself guarantees that those who believe in Him have eternal life and will never perish (John 10:28-29). This promise is not based on our performance or our ability to maintain our salvation, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Our assurance of salvation rests in His faithfulness and the completeness of His redemption.
“My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand”
(John 10:28, NASB)
This promise of eternal security is a testament to God’s steadfast love and commitment to His people. We can have confidence that He will never leave us, regardless of our circumstances or struggles. Even when we stumble or falter in our faith, He remains faithful and holds us securely in His grasp.
In times of uncertainty and doubt, it is vital to hold onto the truth of God’s promise. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that our salvation is secure in His hands. This assurance provides us with the freedom to live boldly for Him, knowing that we are eternally loved and protected.
The Faithfulness of God
God’s faithfulness is unwavering. He has proven Himself faithful throughout history, and His promises remain true today. The Bible assures us that God is not like humans, who may be fickle or unfaithful. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
When we face challenges or doubts, we can look to the example of God’s faithfulness in the lives of His people. The Scriptures are filled with stories of individuals who experienced God’s unfailing presence and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and hardships.
Furthermore, the concept of eternal security aligns with God’s character and His desire for His children to experience lasting peace. He wants us to have assurance of our salvation so that we can fully enjoy a relationship with Him and live with confidence and purpose.
In a world that is constantly changing and uncertain, we can find comfort and security in the unchanging nature of God’s faithfulness. His promise to never leave us gives us a solid foundation on which to build our lives and our faith.
Comparing Human Faithfulness and God’s Faithfulness
| Human Faithfulness | God’s Faithfulness |
|---|---|
| May waver or falter | Unwavering and steadfast |
| Inconsistent | Consistent and reliable |
| Dependent on circumstances | Not dependent on circumstances |
| Finite and limited | Infinite and limitless |
As the table above demonstrates, there is a stark contrast between human faithfulness and God’s faithfulness. While humans may waver or falter in their commitment, God remains unwavering and steadfast in His love for us. His faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances or our performance but is grounded in His unchanging nature.
God’s promise of never leaving us is a powerful assurance of our salvation and eternal security. It is a reminder that we can trust in His faithfulness, regardless of the challenges we face. In times of doubt or uncertainty, we can hold onto this promise and find comfort in the unchanging nature of our loving and faithful God.
The Finality of Jesus’ Sacrifice
The finality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross ensures the permanence of our salvation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided complete redemption and forgiveness of sins. There is nothing that can undo what Jesus accomplished on the cross. The penalty for our sins has been fully paid, and we have been set free from the power of sin and death. This guarantees our eternal security and the assurance of our salvation.
The Permanence of Redemption
Through His sacrifice, Jesus achieved permanent redemption for all who believe in Him. The shedding of His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness and reconciles us to God. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once for all, securing eternal redemption.
The Forgiveness of Sins
Jesus’ sacrifice also brings complete forgiveness of sins. In Ephesians 1:7, we are reminded that in Him, we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of our trespasses. Our sins, no matter how numerous or grievous, are washed away by the precious blood of Jesus.
| Benefits of Jesus’ Sacrifice | Scripture References |
|---|---|
| Eternal security | John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39 |
| Freedom from the power of sin | Romans 6:6-7, Galatians 5:1 |
| Complete forgiveness of sins | Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14 |
| Reconciliation with God | 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Colossians 1:20 |
| Assurance of salvation | 1 John 5:13, Romans 8:16 |
Jesus’ sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and grace towards us. It is through His sacrifice that we find lasting assurance of our salvation. We can rest confidently in the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice, knowing that our redemption and forgiveness are secure in Him.
Conclusion
The assurance of salvation is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. By building on the four unshakable pillars and embracing the doctrine of eternal security, we can have confidence in our salvation. It is important to find our assurance in God’s Word, trust in the finished work of Jesus, rely on the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, and look for the evidence of a changed life in Christ.
As we rest in God’s promises and understand the nature of salvation, we can be secure in our faith and know that we are still born-again, saved, and in Jesus Christ, true Christians. Our assurance comes not from our own efforts or feelings, but from trusting in the unchanging truths of God’s Word.
Let us hold fast to the assurance of salvation and never doubt the faithfulness of our Savior. In Him, we find our true security, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us. May our lives reflect the confidence we have in our salvation, and may we continually grow in our love and obedience to Christ.
