Lesson Nine
Assurance of Salvation
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - John 1:12
Objectives
We need to know clearly with assurance that we are saved, so that we will not waver on our walk with the Lord.
Introduction
If a person falls into water and almost gets drowned, after he has been rescued to the shore, just because his clothing is still wet, so he thinks he is still in the ocean and does not realize that he has been saved, we call this ignorance. Similarly, if a person claims he has believed in the Lord and yet does not realize that he has been saved, this is also ignorance. A believer needs to realize that he is saved with strong assurance and confidence. This knowledge will enhance our pursuit and growth in life, therefore we cannot be indifferent about the assurance of our salvation.
The Way of Salvation
Romans 10:9
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Confess with your Mouth: This is the outward expression of our belief
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Believe in your Heart: To receive Jesus as our Savior, and believe that He has not only died but also resurrected for us.
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You will be Saved: we are not talking about “possibly” or “perhaps”, but “WILL BE”.
The Assurance of Salvation
The foundation for the assurance of our salvation is not built upon feelings, environment or circumstances. Here are at least three ways to verify and to confirm that we have been saved, and have passed out of death into life.
A. God's Word
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God's word can never be changed (Matt. 5:18)
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God's word speaks of salvation through our faith (John 1:12; 3:16; 5:24, Acts 13:39; Romans 10:9-10)
B. The Witnessing of the Holy Spirit
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The Holy Spirit dwells in us (1 John 3:24; Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19)
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The outward expression from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
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A sense toward sin (John 16:8; Galatians 5:17)
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Able to enjoy real peace (Romans 8:6; Colossians 3:15)
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C. The Outward Expression of Life
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Begin to have interest in spiritual things (Acts 2:41-42)
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Love God's children (Acts 4:32-37; 1 John 3:14; 4:7; 5:1)
God does not want us to be saved in a casual and confused manner. God wants us to clearly know that we are saved, and to have much assurance, so that we will not stay put in the infant’s stage and become stagnant. Hence, we must first realize that we are saved, so that we will pursue this life and have growth in life.
Review the points on the outward expression of life after you are saved, and to see whether the way you live is worthy of the Lord's calling.