Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. (John 3:9 ESV)
Do you have assurance of your salvation and know that you have truly been born again and will persevere as a Christian until the end of your life? This question is important because it concerns our eternal soul. Many possess a false understanding of salvation because at one time in their lives they made “a profession of faith,” were baptized, and then continued living the way they always had. John calls for a deeper analysis on our part:
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him … (1 John 2:3-4 ESV)
Modern men and women tend to join a church in the same manner they would a country club. In 1 John, first century Christians are warned to not take their salvation for granted. Peter challenges Christians:
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election … (2 Peter 1:10 ESV)
Perhaps our “instant gratification” culture has made us too eager to assure the guilty of their salvation without a sign of true repentance and the desire for a holy life. Paul writes to the Corinthians, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) A mere verbal acknowledgement does not equal saving faith. Again, Paul writes, “. . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling …” (Philippians 2:12)
Yes! Our salvation is all of God and all of God’s Grace. God’s grace enables us to love Jesus Christ and our fellow man. If this is so, our salvation by grace should bear much good fruit in our lives. Salvation is by grace alone but not by a grace that is alone. Salvation is accompanied by fruit (good works). Our salvation by grace actually causes us to desire to do good works. We desire to become like Jesus Christ. In this we will find assurance.
Filed under: Bible, Christianity, Grace, Salvation, Samuel A. Cain | Tagged: assurance of salvation, commandments, Good works |
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“Salvation is by grace alone but not by a grace that is alone.” I have never heard that particular phrase before, but I believe it is true. Thanks for writing about this.
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