Yes, you can know you are saved! However, you can also believe you are saved when you are not.
First, the Bible does offer hope to those who doubt their salvation. "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Jesus even says we can have reasonable confidence whether or not others are saved, "By their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:20). God wants us to know.
On the other hand, the Bible warns those who believe they are saved for the wrong reasons. "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:22-23).
In both cases, the Bible tells us that assurance (knowing you are saved) only comes after a careful examination and an understanding of the proper identifications. Jesus urges cautious evaluation through the story of the wolf in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). From a distance, or with an innocent glance, a wolf may appear to be a sheep. But if you look with a critical eye for the right things, you will notice that the legs underneath the sheepskin belong to a wolf.
When it comes to evaluating Christians, a profession of faith is the sheepskin. Yes, sheep will have a sheepskin, but a wolf might as well. A profession of faith does not mean a person is, or is not saved. Jesus says immediately after the passage about the wolf that "Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord..." They have a profession of faith; they even call Jesus "Lord." Many Christians have been told they should not doubt their salvation if they have a profession of faith. If they have said a prayer asking Jesus into their life, or have been baptized and joined a church, or responded to an altar call, then nothing else matters, their salvation is secure. However, Jesus clearly does not agree with this teaching.
So, what evidence does indicate true salvation? First, let's define salvation. The reason for confusion on the issue of assurance is in part based on the idea that salvation means nothing more than an entrance into heaven. However, the Bible also speaks about freedom from God's condemnation that we deserve (John 3:18), the forgiveness of sin (Ephesians 1:7), being set free from the power of sin (Romans 6:22), a new birth in which we come alive spiritually (John 3:3, Ephesians 2:5), the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Romans 8:15), and much more! In short, it is a total change of direction in life from a path leading to destruction to a path leading to life and holiness (Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 6:22).
No one can experience the changes that are promised to all Christians and not demonstrate that a change has taken place ("by their fruit you will recognize them"). Be careful, though, about assuming "good works" are evidence of salvation. Jesus warned against works of righteousness that are done "to be seen by men" in Matthew 6. In addition, the ones Jesus "never knew," who cried "Lord, Lord," claimed great works - miracles and casting out demons. Jesus taught about a different group of signs that indicate that the heart is truly transformed by God's grace:
1. A humility about one's own righteousness. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). When asked, "Why should God let you into heaven?" true Christians quickly acknowledge that they have violated God's law, and deserve his condemnation. Their only hope is the promises of God to freely apply the work of Christ to their sin. This gift is based on God's mercy and love and not any deservingness in the believer. "False" Christians will answer this question with statements about how hard they are trying to do what is right, how they are "better" than they used to be, or list their works of righteousness such as church attendance or giving.
2. Repentance from sin. We are commanded to believe in the Lord Jesus (Acts 16:31). Once Jesus asked, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). The Bible also talks about our need to respond to the gospel with repentance and faith (Acts 20:21). This is another way of saying believing in Jesus as Lord. You no longer want to sin. You want to do what Jesus says. The same Savior who gave his life for us will certainly not command us to do something that is not for our good. We have faith in him, not only for our forgiveness of sin, but also that he loves us and gives good commands. This does not mean you will stop sinning, but the sin in your life is now something you are fighting against. You do not want it, and you will grow and have victories over it. Jesus puts it this way, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). A serious warning sign that someone is not a true Christian is when they are caught in a sin and still want to keep right on doing it.
3. A love for God's Word. "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). The wolf in sheep's clothing will not love the shepherd's voice. True sheep enjoy learning about the Bible, recognize that it is God's Word, and desire to put it into practice. The one who is truly saved is the "wise man," Jesus says, "who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice" (Matthew 7:24). Another serious warning sign is when someone rejects a clear teaching of Scripture to follow a popular viewpoint or one supported by many "experts." Usually, the root problem is that they don't really recognize that the whole Bible is God's Word. See, "How Do We Know the Bible is God's Word."
4. A willingness to forgive others. When you have experienced God's amazing forgiveness, it no longer makes sense to withhold forgiveness from others. Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7), and "If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15). In both passages, Jesus is not saying you must forgive others before God can forgive you. Rather, he is stating a characteristic of the forgiven. A person forgiven much will desire to forgive others. Similarly, Jesus says, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matthew 7:1). See "Forgiveness."
Are these evidences in your life? "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-- unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Trust the Bible's purpose is to grow your confidence that the Bible is true and the ultimate resource for life." You can join the Facebook group by clicking here. Trust the Bible is a weekday radio program that begins at about 8:10 each morning on WDOG 93.5 in Allendale, SC. Listen to previous programs online: www.fairfaxfbc.org/trust-the-bible.html
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