HOW CAN I BE SURE I’M SAVED? by Jacob Tanner for Core Christianity
During my teen years, I had almost no assurance of salvation. However, over time the Lord began to change my heart. I couldn’t point to the exact day and moment that I felt confidence in my salvation. I don’t have an incredible conversion story like I heard and read about from others. I just knew I believed in Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
Yet I had no idea if that was enough to be truly saved. I felt like I needed to do more, and hated whatever sin I saw within myself, believing it was evidence that I couldn’t possibly be saved. I’d spend every night kneeled in agonizing prayer beside my bed—sometimes for hours—confessing and repenting of every sin I could remember. I’d rack my brain trying to remember anything I’d done wrong, or any good I’d failed to do. And while prayer brought some relief, it wouldn’t be long until the doubts and fears arose again. Was I saved? Was there any way to know for sure? Would that knowledge even comfort me?
Assurance in the life of the Christian is the knowledge that our salvation in Christ is certain and true. This leads to joy, courage, and boldness to daily live for Jesus, continually comforted by the fact that he’s with us, moment to moment. The one who lacks assurance is liable to spend much of their time anxious, riddled with fear, confusion, and doubt.
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The famous Reformer Martin Luther struggled with this anxiety for a time himself. He would spend hours upon hours confessing every sin he could remember. After hours of repentance and confession, he would feel some semblance of peace. But inevitably, he would forget one sin or quickly go commit another, and suddenly the peaceful respite would turn once more to a raging tempest in his soul.
Maybe you can relate to Luther. It’s a scary thing to question your salvation. But it is possible to have assurance. Here’s how:
1. We must remember that we’re saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ and not through our own works.
Part of Luther’s struggle was that he couldn’t recognize that his own good works—or lack thereof—could never contribute to his salvation. Deep down, he thought that by doing much good and repenting enough, he could earn his way into heaven. Many people still believe this today. But Luther’s entire life changed when he came to understand Romans 1:17b: “The righteous shall live by faith.” The heavy burden was lifted from his shoulders. He came to recognize that the sinner is justified (declared righteous before God) by faith in Jesus Christ alone.
