How Do I Know I Am Saved?
Have you ever struggled with your salvation?
Periodically, we receive questions from friends and followers who are wrestling with deeper questions in their faith. Would it surprise you to know that we often get repeated questions?
Our friend wrote to us, "I am a prodigal. Boy am I. How do I know if I am saved and going to heaven?"
You know, we think it may not be just the Prodigal that has this question. Would it shock you to know that we know preachers who have struggled with knowing whether or not they're going to heaven?
It's not uncommon to wrestle in your faith. The God we serve is THE truth... so searching deeper for that truth is something that we know He welcomes. Wrestling is not a sign that your faith is weak; it’s a symbol of your perseverance as you seek the Lord.
So friends, the first place we must start is in salvation itself. When are you saved? How do you know if you're saved? If we look into Acts 2:37-41, we can watch it play out with those that heard Peter's message. Their hearts were convicted or "pierced." It's there in the heart that salvation begins. The moment you decide to turn from sin, and place your trust in Jesus and follow Him, it all changes. It's not because you said the prettiest salvation prayer or in any good deed that you do. (The fruit of your life will show the work of Jesus, yes, but that's not what will save you.) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9-11)
Salvation is not something we deserve or earn - quite the opposite. It's a precious gift, friends. Ephesians 2 stresses that we have been, "saved by grace through faith." God is rich in love and in grace. He has poured it out onto us and relentlessly pursued you.
Maybe it doesn't feel like you've done "enough," to earn salvation, but the truth is, salvation isn't about anything you can earn or merit. It depends entirely on what Jesus already did. If you said "yes," to His free gift and repented - meaning, turning from sin and placing our trust fully in Him to get us to heaven - you're saved. You aren't just forgiven, you are JUSTIFIED. (Romans 3) You've been made righteous in His eyes. Even though we make it our goal to surrender and become more like Jesus - daily growing and devoting ourselves to live a life that reflects His holiness - it's important to remember that our salvation does not, and never will depend on you and I "sinning less," but rather trusting in what He's already done.
How freeing is it to know that you've been declared innocent in God's court? Jesus took all of that sin onto himself for you to be able to walk with God again and see Him face to face in heaven. You've been adopted into the heavenly kingdom and you are the child of the King. You have an abundant life in the hands of your Heavenly Father!
The enemy often loves to twist truth and lie into a confusing mess that feels impossible to escape. Sometimes accepting the truth of being saved is declaring it and rebuking lies that may be whispered in your ear. The tongue has the power of life or death, so we want to encourage you to speak life over yourself. Did you know the word prodigal means, "wastefully extravagant?" Would it not make sense to have the enemy trying to hold you in an old mindset?
The enemy may still call you "Prodigal," but God calls you, "Son/Daughter."
You are not who you were because of the transforming, sanctifying power of Jesus Christ.
We won't call you prodigal here, because your identity lies in your Savior. Don't get stuck begging for mercy; it's time to live joyfully in His love. You are the child He had compassion for and who He ran down the road to meet. How joyful the Lord must be when He finds us returning.
Be free, friend. Don't get trapped in what the enemy seeks to twist.
”...But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.“
Luke 15:20 AMP
