How can a christian know whether is saved or no ??
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I think one of the most defining proofs is your life itself. If you just go on, business as usual, and there is no change, then you must look at your heart and your relationship with Christ. Knowing Christ brings change. It's like the song says, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."
If you find that you have no loss of hunger for worldly/carnal things and that you only think about Christ when caught up in sinful moments or on Sunday, then you must check your heart. Jesus should enter into your mind and heart and life daily. You should long for Him daily. And the things of earth will grow 'strangely dim' and you will begin to desire them less and less. This is one of the many ways, I personally believe, that you can see if you're truly living for Christ or living for yourself.
If you find that you have no loss of hunger for worldly/carnal things and that you only think about Christ when caught up in sinful moments or on Sunday, then you must check your heart. Jesus should enter into your mind and heart and life daily. You should long for Him daily. And the things of earth will grow 'strangely dim' and you will begin to desire them less and less. This is one of the many ways, I personally believe, that you can see if you're truly living for Christ or living for yourself.
L
You are on the right track.
I would note that salvation is also so simple that even a child can understand and be saved. If you trust that the work of Christ is enough for your salvation (that Jesus died for your sins, and rose from the dead), then you can be secure in your salvation.
Repentance means 'a turning of your mind' not necessarily a 'turning of your ways'. The fruit mentioned in John's letters should be present in a Spirit filled believer, but don't put your trust in your work or your repentance. Trust Christ alone, and good works will naturally follow.
A changed life is a sign of salvation, but is not the way to salvation.
I would note that salvation is also so simple that even a child can understand and be saved. If you trust that the work of Christ is enough for your salvation (that Jesus died for your sins, and rose from the dead), then you can be secure in your salvation.
Repentance means 'a turning of your mind' not necessarily a 'turning of your ways'. The fruit mentioned in John's letters should be present in a Spirit filled believer, but don't put your trust in your work or your repentance. Trust Christ alone, and good works will naturally follow.
A changed life is a sign of salvation, but is not the way to salvation.
L
... not according to the Bible, but some of the 'saints' seemed to come to that conclusion during the Middle Ages.
Salvation is both now, and manifested on the Last Day. We can have security of our salvation today. There is no need for insecurity, because our salvation is assured.
"Blessed assurance"
No man is worthy of Heaven, except Christ. But we are in Christ, and His Spirit is in us, so we are found worthy in the sight of the Father.
Salvation is both now, and manifested on the Last Day. We can have security of our salvation today. There is no need for insecurity, because our salvation is assured.
"Blessed assurance"
No man is worthy of Heaven, except Christ. But we are in Christ, and His Spirit is in us, so we are found worthy in the sight of the Father.
Romans 8:15-17 KJV
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together.
1 John 5:13-15 KJV
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. [14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him , that we may be also glorified together.
1 John 5:13-15 KJV
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. [14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Is Jesus in you like the Apostles taught?
If not then approach the Savior directly through baptism calling on him,
from under the water.
He will respond and you will know personally.....
2 Cor.13
[5] Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith >> (in the Father and his Son)
prove (verify) your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates?
[6] But I trust that you shall know that
we (the Spirit LED, Christ accompanied Apostles) are not reprobates.
Move on, without prejudice, brother, you have a life ahead.
If not then approach the Savior directly through baptism calling on him,
from under the water.
He will respond and you will know personally.....
2 Cor.13
[5] Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith >> (in the Father and his Son)
prove (verify) your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except you are reprobates?
[6] But I trust that you shall know that
we (the Spirit LED, Christ accompanied Apostles) are not reprobates.
Move on, without prejudice, brother, you have a life ahead.
We've become so proud of ourseves because people look at us thinking we are something when we really aren't anything
Sometimes we forget that what we are it's bec God's grace and mercy. Sometimes we forget that the glory, the honor, and the praise goes to God we are used by his grace and mercy no bec we deserve it.
It's incredible how nowadays everythings around apostles, prophets.. and no around God, while the apostles and the men of the bible including Jesus were rejecting glory and fame these men today proclaim themserves as the ones who have the annointing the revelation and are making great shows and events this is a total abuse of the gifts God has given to them, they don't know that everything we do is to glorify Jesus and of course Jesus should be centered in our preaching if it is not llike that, then I think it is not worth preaching his word.
We are the ones who have created these great monsters for looking at them and not to look at Jesus, we have to be careful we have to be aware of false prophets, teachers,evangelist and even pastors. We gotta go back to the biblical principles.
Matthew.7.21 Judes.1.9 May God have mercy on his plp.
Sometimes we forget that what we are it's bec God's grace and mercy. Sometimes we forget that the glory, the honor, and the praise goes to God we are used by his grace and mercy no bec we deserve it.
It's incredible how nowadays everythings around apostles, prophets.. and no around God, while the apostles and the men of the bible including Jesus were rejecting glory and fame these men today proclaim themserves as the ones who have the annointing the revelation and are making great shows and events this is a total abuse of the gifts God has given to them, they don't know that everything we do is to glorify Jesus and of course Jesus should be centered in our preaching if it is not llike that, then I think it is not worth preaching his word.
We are the ones who have created these great monsters for looking at them and not to look at Jesus, we have to be careful we have to be aware of false prophets, teachers,evangelist and even pastors. We gotta go back to the biblical principles.
Matthew.7.21 Judes.1.9 May God have mercy on his plp.
I really hope some people can see the fallacies inherent in this "trust in Jesus alone" gospel which is being preached almost universally today. Trusting in Jesus in the Bible is presented in the context of YIELDING WHOLEHEARTEDLY TO GOD. There is no such things as being in rebellion to God and trusting in Jesus. Repentance is the change of mind resultant of the rebellious spirit being broken and the result is an obedient saint. Obedient to what? To the righteousness of God. We are slaves to whom we obey. That is what the Bible so plainly states.
Paul stated that we are set free from sin through obedience from the heart.
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
If that is the case how is it possible for someone to claim that repentance does not necessarily involve a change in lifestyle? If repentance is not connected to a radical change in lifestyle then it simply is not repentance.
No adulterer repents and approaches their wife whilst still engaged in an illicit relationship. No sinner approaches God seeking mercy still in rebellion. Don't be deceived.
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
The Bible is a harmonious whole and not a book of proof texts to be snipped and isolated out of context. Believing is inclusive of abiding. Abraham believed God and due to this he was a DOER of the word. Noah believed God and due to this he was a DOER of the word. There is no such thing as a believer who is not a doer, people who are not doers and claim they believe are liars.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Jesus said DO, not simply TRUST. Real trust involves doing.
Paul stated that we are set free from sin through obedience from the heart.
Rom 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
If that is the case how is it possible for someone to claim that repentance does not necessarily involve a change in lifestyle? If repentance is not connected to a radical change in lifestyle then it simply is not repentance.
No adulterer repents and approaches their wife whilst still engaged in an illicit relationship. No sinner approaches God seeking mercy still in rebellion. Don't be deceived.
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
The Bible is a harmonious whole and not a book of proof texts to be snipped and isolated out of context. Believing is inclusive of abiding. Abraham believed God and due to this he was a DOER of the word. Noah believed God and due to this he was a DOER of the word. There is no such thing as a believer who is not a doer, people who are not doers and claim they believe are liars.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Jesus said DO, not simply TRUST. Real trust involves doing.
Semantics. This is why we seem so judgmental and harsh. Can't someone just say, "Trusting involves doing, as well. It isn't enough to believe, you must also be surrendered wholeheartedly to God." Why must we correct each other so viciously? Seems to be the trend here. Rather than adding to what someone says, we go into long diatribes about why what they said is wrong, then, ultimately, state they are actually correct and we're just adding to what they said.
My life has changed so dramatically since I was saved recently. I have a hunger for the Word and constantly read and study it. There have also been changes in me personally--my attitude towards others, the way I handle difficult situations, my relationship with my husband--to name a few. I feel so blessed to have received the gift of salvation even though I feel unworthy of such beautiful gift. My life is about God now, I want to serve Him always. I know He is with me and I am working hard to live my life according to the bible, the way The Lord wants me to live my life.
Sorry if I sound simplistic, just speaking from my heart.
Sorry if I sound simplistic, just speaking from my heart.
" How should we reply to this question? For my own part, I hesitate to respond categorically, "Yes, I am saved." Such an answer suggests that my salvation is already here and now an accomplished fact, a fully realized and completed actuality. But how can I know for certain what my behaviour will be during the remaining course of my life? Despite God's guiding hand upon me, I still retain the power to say No to Him as well as Yes.
Long after his conversion on the road to Damascus St. Paul feared that after preaching to others he might himself end up "rejected" or "disqualified" by God (1 Corinthians 9:27 - "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize".) Must we not show a similar caution? The warning issued by the pagan Solon applies equally in a Christian context: "Call no one blessed until he/she has died." It is the one who endures to the end who will be saved (Matthew 10:22; 24:13)"
This all flies very much into the face of my evangelical background and I well remember several converations in the past where I have insisted that once we are saved we are always saved and to believe otherwise is to deny Christ and doubt His saving work on the cross. Kallistos Ware however questions this and demonstrates that salvation is about a lifetime of trust and not just a momentary decision made some time in the past. Maybe that is why the spiritual disciplines don't seem to figure very much in those branches of the Christian Faith that espouse such teaching. What is the real need to fast and pray if whatever we do we are saved anyway? In their reaction against any thought that we can achieve salvation by our own effort they have gone to the opposite extreme and seem to suggest that we have little or no part to play except, in a moment of revelation, to say 'yes' to God.
But as St. Paul reminds us that although salvation is impossible in our own strength without God's prevenient grace, yet we are not creatures without free will and by God's grace - and with our continued co-operation and reception of that grace - we will one day be saved. He writes to the Philippians in Chapter 2:
"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure". (Philippians 2:11-12 NRSV)
And again later in Chapter 3: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14 NRSV)
Even Paul, the great saint himself, is not complacent, but humbly acknowledges that there is still work for the Lord to do in him. We would do well in using similar caution and humility when we talk about our own salvation.
Long after his conversion on the road to Damascus St. Paul feared that after preaching to others he might himself end up "rejected" or "disqualified" by God (1 Corinthians 9:27 - "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize".) Must we not show a similar caution? The warning issued by the pagan Solon applies equally in a Christian context: "Call no one blessed until he/she has died." It is the one who endures to the end who will be saved (Matthew 10:22; 24:13)"
This all flies very much into the face of my evangelical background and I well remember several converations in the past where I have insisted that once we are saved we are always saved and to believe otherwise is to deny Christ and doubt His saving work on the cross. Kallistos Ware however questions this and demonstrates that salvation is about a lifetime of trust and not just a momentary decision made some time in the past. Maybe that is why the spiritual disciplines don't seem to figure very much in those branches of the Christian Faith that espouse such teaching. What is the real need to fast and pray if whatever we do we are saved anyway? In their reaction against any thought that we can achieve salvation by our own effort they have gone to the opposite extreme and seem to suggest that we have little or no part to play except, in a moment of revelation, to say 'yes' to God.
But as St. Paul reminds us that although salvation is impossible in our own strength without God's prevenient grace, yet we are not creatures without free will and by God's grace - and with our continued co-operation and reception of that grace - we will one day be saved. He writes to the Philippians in Chapter 2:
"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure". (Philippians 2:11-12 NRSV)
And again later in Chapter 3: "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:10-14 NRSV)
Even Paul, the great saint himself, is not complacent, but humbly acknowledges that there is still work for the Lord to do in him. We would do well in using similar caution and humility when we talk about our own salvation.
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.