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| Volume 25 Number 10 October 2023 |
Page 9 |
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| Volume 25 Number 10 October 2023 |
Page 9 |
How Can I Know that I Am Saved?
Gary C. Hampton
The greatest question anyone can ask is, “How can I know that I am saved?” The answer either points toward a future in Heaven with God or in Hell separated eternally from God (Matthew 25:34, 46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
We need to realize salvation comes in three movements. Saul of Tarsus learned from Ananias how he could be saved from his past sins. He asked him, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16 NKJV). The individual set free from his past sins can remain in a saved condition from day to day (1 John 1:7, 9). The ultimate salvation, though, is in Heaven (Romans 13:11).
Each must be aware that there are unreliable ways of assurance regarding salvation. Feelings or conscience is not reliable. Though Paul persecuted the church, he told the counsel, “…Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1; 26:9). Sadly, one cannot rely on the assurance of a preacher. Apollos was unintentionally wrong before being taught by Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-28). In addition, Paul warned about those who intentionally deceive (Romans 16:17-18).
Only God can give you or me true assurance of salvation. God’s inspired apostle to the Gentiles proclaimed there is no condemnation to those in Christ (Romans 8:1-2). Each must be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). Being in Christ is an ongoing part of life (Romans 8:5-6). Living the life God wants from us requires us to have the Word of God continually abiding in us. John told his children in the faith that as long as the Faith – the Word of God – abided in them that they would continue to abide in the Father and the Son, and They would abide in them (1 John 2:24; 3:24). It is possible to know I have been saved from my sins in the past, remain saved in the present and will be saved in eternity.
