How can you be sure you are saved?

Series: Look to Jesus

If you have had feelings of doubt following your decision to receive Christ, you are not alone. How can you be sure you are saved? How do Christians find confidence they will remain in their relationship with Jesus?

What must I do to be saved?

First, look to see what God says you must do to be saved. The Bible says salvation is simple. “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31) Salvation begins with “repentance” - turning from sin and depending only on Jesus, instead of yourself or someone else. When people asked Jesus what kind of human work God likes, He said, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29).

Second, what did God promise? “And this is what He promised us—eternal life” (1 John 2:25). It cost Jesus His own blood, giving up His life, to give you eternal life. But it was a free gift to you (Ephesians 2:8-9).

What the Bible says about being saved:

• Jesus is the Good Shepherd, who has given His life for His sheep (John 10:11). No one can snatch them from His grip (John 10:28-29).
• Those who come to Him will never be driven away (John 6:37).
• Since God knows everything from the very beginning of time, His acceptance of you could not be a mistake. He does not take back His gifts. He does not take back His calling (Romans 11:29).
• God's children are sealed with the Holy Spirit--God’s own Spirit, living inside you. God sees you as His own child, and you can look at Him as your Father (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, Romans 8:15).
• You are kept in His grace, not by your good works, but by God Himself: "You are being kept by the power of God because you put your trust in Him and you will be saved from the punishment of sin at the end of the world" (1 Peter 1:5).
• God is able to keep you from leaving your faith. He will present you clean and blameless when you meet Him in a joyful celebration of His glory (Jude 24).

As I look to Jesus, God's power and promise make me sure of my salvation.

Feelings come and go. Our mistakes sometimes make us wonder whether we are even saved. Jesus is faithful, even when we are not. God knows our struggles and gently reminds us to look to Jesus. If you are trusting only in Jesus -- His sinless life, His death for you, His return from the dead, and His faithful promises -- you can know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).