Assurance of salvation

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CherieR

Senior Member
May 6, 2017
2,265
1,419
113
#1
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
 
Aug 21, 2018
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#2
CherieR, there was a time in my life that I thought I was saved, but really I was not. And there was also a time in my life, after repenting of my sins and embracing the gospel, that I had no assurance of my salvation. One of the verses that I found helpful is this:

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” ~2 Corinthians 13: 5

CherieR, see if these two articles are helpful in answering your question on assurance of salvation:

https://www.gty.org/library/blog/B160217/

https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/48-20/the-christians-assurance-of-salvation


May God’s word speak to your heart as we continue to seek Jesus who is the Christ!
 

NayborBear

Banned Serpent Seed Heresy
#3
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.

Personally? I continually strive! "JESUS IS LORD!" If you can confess, even to yourself, that Jesus of Nazareth is come in flesh? Then, you are OF God!

(again....personally?) I believe there's a lot of people calling themselves "Christian", that aren't as saved, as "project" themselves to be.

Luke 13
23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,195
6,508
113
#4
A very good yet hard lesson for all to receive and consider in their interactions with others who claim to kow.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,417
3,468
113
#5
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
Ask yourself,,, Do you believe Jesus? Do you believe His act of laying down His life for the sins of all those who believe and trust in Him is effective in securing them eternal life?

If you can say yes to both of these questions why would your confidence in salvation ever be uncertain...

As you said yourself it is not based on you being worthy ( ""I know i do not have to be perfect to be accepted"" ) So why do you have uncertainty?
 
R

Ralph-

Guest
#6
I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
The assurance that you are really saved comes from being like Christ in this life.

You'll get a LOT of flak about this, apparently from people who say they are saved but who are not living for Christ, but the Bible shows us that knowing that we are saved comes from the change God works in us.

The Holy Spirit is not only testifying in our hearts that we are children of God, but He is also testifying to our adoption as sons and daughters of God through our behavior. When we walk in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) we show that we have the Holy Spirit inside of us changing us into the image of Christ and are ready to meet Christ when He returns.

Here are some verses that teach us that assurance comes from our new way of behaving:

Philippians 2:14-15
1 John 3:18-19
1 John 4:17
Hebrews 6:9
2 Peter 1:10-11

Of course, you already know this is not about sinless perfection. It's about progress towards being like Christ in how we act. People who can see that progress in their lives know with assurance that they belong to God in salvation. People who aren't progressing in holiness, for whatever reason, may be saved well enough and just starting out, but they may lack any assurance of their salvation.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
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#7
All of the bible is designed to give us what we need to know and grow in the Lord. Doubt is common to all since we have our faith in that which cannot be seen but is dearly hoped for.

Ro 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Psalm 119 has great teaching on the importance of reading and meditating on Gods word. To grow strong in the Lord is to feast on His word the bible. Milk first then strong meat. It all takes time to crawl then walk finally to run. The race is not over until we are glorified together with Jesus for all of eternity.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
R

Ralph-

Guest
#8
A very good yet hard lesson for all to receive and consider in their interactions with others who claim to kow.
It's all about fruit.

The fruitier you get the more assurance of your salvation you will have. I'm feeling pretty saved right now.
 

NayborBear

Banned Serpent Seed Heresy
#9
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
You could do yourself, a huge favor! Read Psalms 119, like a "novel!" Asking God, in Jesus' name to help you in understanding, as you read it! ;)
 

CherieR

Senior Member
May 6, 2017
2,265
1,419
113
#10
Ask yourself,,, Do you believe Jesus? Do you believe His act of laying down His life for the sins of all those who believe and trust in Him is effective in securing them eternal life?

If you can say yes to both of these questions why would your confidence in salvation ever be uncertain...

As you said yourself it is not based on you being worthy ( ""I know i do not have to be perfect to be accepted"" ) So why do you have uncertainty?
Well, there may be different reasons.

1) When people start having questions or doubts about the bible. There is actually a book called If I Really Believe Why do I have These Doubts. I am not sure if this could have anything to do with my assurance. I have had moments of feeling strange that Christ should die for me and even thinking of God's existence. It may be kinda hard to explain. I don't stop believing though just because of a strange feeling. I do particularly find myself questioning the gospel of John the most though. I would see things that say, " the early manuscripts do not have this" in the footnotes and find myself question thoses verses that have not yet been find in the early manusripts. That is one example

2) I can be questioning of myself and it can be easy for me to worry. Jesus once spoke on forgiveness and its importance. I read his words to mean if you forgive God will forgive you, but if you don't, neither will God. Some people will read Jesus words and just go about their day and try to apply it. I have had the " what if" thoughts. So, it may kinda be like someone who questions what if I left the stove on and goes back to check, except a little differently. I have prayed to God about it before and I wondered if it was him when I had the thought come " I never intended you to carry this burden."

3) I don't always feel comfortable trusting God. Once I was in the car thinking I could either trust God and maybe feel better or stay tense and be miserable. I have heard how David trusted God in the hard times so I should also trust God in the little things.

These are some things that come to mind. I have been diagnosed with some anxiety disorders in the past and I have a therapist so this may be one thing I could chat about. I have had panic attacks before... it is definitely not as bad as it used it be. I know panic is not dangerous, it just may be harder to be reasonable in that moment. My gut response often is to tense up, but I actually need to relax instead.
 

Shamah

Senior Member
Jan 6, 2018
2,735
692
113
#11
I respect your sincerity, and I think that it's a subject the especially needs Scriptual truth rather than comfort or tradition. I look to the Messiah as the number one source, the Shepherd... Here are a few of His words on the matter:

John 8:51 “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone guards My Word he shall never see death at all.”

John 12:25-26, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life shall lose it, and he who hates his life in this world shall preserve it for everlasting life." Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

John 14:23-24, “יהושע answered him, “If anyone loves Me, he shall guard My Word. And My Father shall love him, and We shall come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not guard My Words. And the Word which you hear is not Mine but of the Father Who sent Me.”

Mat 25:31-46, “And when the Son of Aḏam comes in His esteem, and all the set-apart messengers with Him, then He shall sit on the throne of His esteem. And all the nations shall be gathered before Him, and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the Sovereign shall say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the reign prepared for you from the foundation of the world for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me. Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, ‘Master, when did we see You hungry and we fed You, or thirsty and gave You to drink? And when did we see You a stranger and took You in, or naked and clothed You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and we came to You? And the Sovereign shall answer and say to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, in so far as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me. He shall then also say to those on the left hand, ‘Go away from Me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his messengers for I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, was naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me. Then they also shall answer Him, saying, ‘Master, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not serve You? Then He shall answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, in so far as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life.”

Malachi 3:14-18, “You have said, ‘It is worthless to serve Yah. And what did we gain when we guarded His Charge, and when we walked as mourners before יהוה of hosts? And now we are calling the proud blessed – not only are the doers of wrongness built up, but they also try Yah and escape. Then shall those who fear יהוה speak to one another, and יהוה listens and hears, and a book of remembrance be written before Him, of those who fear יהוה, and those who think upon His Name. And they shall be Mine,” said יהוה of hosts, “on the day that I prepare a treasured possession. And I shall spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. Then you shall again see the difference between the righteous and the wrong, between one who serves Yah and one who does not serve Him.”

John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son possesses everlasting life, but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of Yah remains on him.”

May YHWH bless you and keep you continually!!!
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,760
113
#12
The fruitier you get the more assurance of your salvation you will have. I'm feeling pretty saved right now.
What is you were not "feeling" saved tomorrow? Would that mean going back to square one? Do you see the absurdity of see-saw-salvation?

I agree that a genuinely saved person will bear spiritual fruit. But that is not the basis of eternal security. The eternal security of the believer is based upon (1) the grace of God and (2) the perfect finished work of Christ for our redemption. Upon Christ Himself as Salvation and Savior.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,195
6,508
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#13
No matter what the current events may be globally, we who believe , though we experience tribulation in our battles, yet feel we are lifted above the wickedness of this age .

It is our Savior's work, not anything we do, but He lifts us up.

Although the sorrow is very real for all who are yet caught up in the world, we re somehow above it, praising Jesus all the while for His personal care for each one of us. Assurance i all manner.
 
R

Ralph-

Guest
#14
What is you were not "feeling" saved tomorrow?
It was a joke, lol. :LOL:

"The fruitier you get..."
"I'm feeling pretty saved (fruity) right now."

You have to stop seeing 'not once saved always saved', which you mistakenly assume always equates to a works gospel, under every rock and behind every bush.



Would that mean going back to square one? Do you see the absurdity of see-saw-salvation?
There is no such thing as 'see-saw' salvation. Once you lose it because of a return to unbelief you can't get it back. God does not allow that.



I agree that a genuinely saved person will bear spiritual fruit. But that is not the basis of eternal security. The eternal security of the believer is based upon (1) the grace of God and (2) the perfect finished work of Christ for our redemption.
Couldn't have said it any better myself. New Covenant salvation is secure because of Christ. The assurance that you really do possess the salvation that is secure comes from seeing the Holy Spirit changing you more and more into the image of Christ because only saved people have the life changing Holy Spirit in them.

People who are growing up into Christ don't need to 'just take it on faith' that they belong to Christ. The assurance that they have Christ in them comes from being able to see Him in them via all kinds of the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit that unsaved people don't have. A fruit bearing tree is known for sure by the kind of fruit it is bearing.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,195
6,508
113
#15
We are definetly required to do the "works" of God when we are saved by the Blood of the Lamb.

Don't freak when reading the intro! Works of God begin with believing Jesus Christ...thyis is works of God for when we truly believe Jesus we do things we would never have done without believing Him.

Simply waiting for Him is works.

Having an active prayer life is works.......even if you just talk to Him throughout your days,He is there, and you are believing.

Always being ready to answer when asked about the Word....works.

You do not have to be Peter, Paul, Joh, or any of those wonderful men to be storig up your reward in the Kigdom, but at the same time to ignore it is buying your faith in the dirt, and no one who truly believes Jesus Christ does this, no way.

God bless all you fruity folks, amen.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,195
6,508
113
#17
I'm starting a new church. I'm calling it 'The Fruits of the Spirit'. Come join us.
Thank you !
You love Jesus Christ and believe Him, I am part of the assembly already.
 

Adstar

Senior Member
Jul 24, 2016
7,417
3,468
113
#18
Well, there may be different reasons.

1) When people start having questions or doubts about the bible. There is actually a book called If I Really Believe Why do I have These Doubts. I am not sure if this could have anything to do with my assurance. I have had moments of feeling strange that Christ should die for me and even thinking of God's existence. It may be kinda hard to explain. I don't stop believing though just because of a strange feeling. I do particularly find myself questioning the gospel of John the most though. I would see things that say, " the early manuscripts do not have this" in the footnotes and find myself question thoses verses that have not yet been find in the early manusripts. That is one example
I am glad i do not have a Bible like this that calls into doubt it's own accuracy.. Indeed the person who added these foot notes would be in danger of being cast into the eternal lake of fire i believe.. If i hada bible like that i would throw it in the garbage bin...

2) I can be questioning of myself and it can be easy for me to worry. Jesus once spoke on forgiveness and its importance. I read his words to mean if you forgive God will forgive you, but if you don't, neither will God. Some people will read Jesus words and just go about their day and try to apply it. I have had the " what if" thoughts. So, it may kinda be like someone who questions what if I left the stove on and goes back to check, except a little differently. I have prayed to God about it before and I wondered if it was him when I had the thought come " I never intended you to carry this burden."
I don't understand... What burden.. and what is it that you are questioning yourself about..

3) I don't always feel comfortable trusting God. Once I was in the car thinking I could either trust God and maybe feel better or stay tense and be miserable. I have heard how David trusted God in the hard times so I should also trust God in the little things.
If God exists( And He definitely does) what would be the point of not trusting Him?? If God has it in for us ( out to destroy us ) then we would have absolutely no hope anyway.. But God reveals through His message that it is His desire to Redeem His creation of which we are a part.. So we may as well trust Him and have hope for a better eternity.. If God intended to destroy humanity He could have done it that moment Adam and Eve first sinned...
 
Dec 12, 2013
46,515
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#19
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
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.
 
Aug 8, 2018
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#20
I cannot seem to remember a time when I truly felt real deep assurance of being saved. Perhaps I have felt that way before, but can't recall what it was like.

I can be analytical and one to ask questions. I do believe in Jesus and that he died for me on the cross and rose again. I learned something about God's love in December of 2017, so it may just be a long process. I know Jesus came for me too and I don't have to be perfect to be accepted. I just want to be secure in Jesus.
Dear Cherle, I would love to give you hope and certainty, but only He can. One can't love someone they don't know, really. My only suggestion is to deepen your personal relationship to Jesus, person to person, as a child of the Father. Make time. Make the connection. Remain attached to the Vine. The good news: The Holy Spirit is being poured out on all flesh right now. Some of the Holy Spirit's (the Comforter's) results include conviction of the sin in our lives (how to grow), and the power to do the Father's will. You may find yourself doing things you would never have thought, because you are doing what Jesus did: the Father's will for your time on Earth. Be strong and know you are loved. The enemy sows doubt. ('Did God really say...?') You will know in your heart of hearts the scams of the enemy are bogus, the joy of your salvation will lift your understanding in these things. Stay connected. You are lovely and honest. Cheers.