How Can I Have Assurance of Salvation?

TL;DR

Assurance of salvation comes from trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His promises in Scripture.
A transformed life, characterized by ongoing faith and repentance, is evidence of genuine salvation.
Regular engagement with God’s Word and prayer strengthens assurance.
The Holy Spirit’s inner witness and the fruit of the Spirit in one’s life confirm salvation.
Doubts can be normal, but they should drive us to seek God more deeply and rest in His grace.

Trusting in Christ’s Finished Work

Assurance of salvation begins with a firm trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage underscores that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ, not by our works or efforts. True assurance rests on the unchanging character of God and His promises, not on our feelings or performance.

Romans 10:9 offers further clarity: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth are marks of true faith. Assurance is grounded in this personal, trusting relationship with Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior.

Evidence of a Transformed Life

While we cannot earn salvation, a transformed life serves as evidence of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This transformation is marked by ongoing faith in Christ and continual repentance from sin. A life increasingly characterized by godly attitudes and actions suggests the work of the Holy Spirit, affirming our salvation.

James 2:17 reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” While works do not save, they are the fruit of a saving faith. This does not mean perfection, as every Christian struggles with sin, but there should be a general trend of growth in godliness and a decreasing pattern of sinful behavior.

Engagement with God’s Word and Prayer

Regular engagement with Scripture and prayer is vital for assurance of salvation. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The Bible, being God’s Word, is a primary means by which we grow in our understanding of God’s promises and our faith in Him. It is in the Scriptures that we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and our identity in Christ.

Prayer, too, is crucial in maintaining a vibrant relationship with God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God, and in turn, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Through prayer, we express our dependence on God, and He, in His faithfulness, reassures us of our standing in Him.

The Holy Spirit’s Witness

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in assuring us of our salvation. Romans 8:16 affirms, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” This internal witness of the Holy Spirit provides comfort and certainty of our salvation. Additionally, the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, is evidence of the Spirit’s work in us and thus confirms our salvation.

Dealing with Doubts

Doubts about salvation can be a normal part of the Christian experience. However, these doubts should drive us to seek God more, not to despair. 1 John 3:20 reassures us, “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” When doubts arise, we should examine our hearts, turn to Scripture, and rest in the grace of God.

Conclusion

Assurance of salvation is grounded in the unchanging promises of God, evidenced by a transformed life, strengthened through engagement with His Word and prayer, and confirmed by the Holy Spirit’s witness. Doubts, when they arise, should lead us to a deeper reliance on God’s grace.

“Knowing God” by J.I. Packer – Offers profound insights into the nature of God, which is essential for understanding salvation and assurance.
“The Pursuit of Holiness” by Jerry Bridges – Bridges explores the relationship between personal holiness and assurance of salvation, providing practical guidance for growing in faith.