How do I know I am saved – What does the Bible teach?

 

2 Corinthians 13:5      Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test

yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified?

1.          Do I obey God?  Is God working in me to do His will?
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.  He who says “I know Him.” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:3-4, 3:18-19;  Philippians 2:12-13; Rev 22:12-15; Matthew 7:21; John 14:21, 15:10-14

… if someone says he has faith, but does not have works [of faith]… Can faith save him?  Faith [or belief] without works is dead.  James 2:14-26, 1:22; Luke 5:17-20, 7:36-50; Heb 5:9  

2.          Have I repented?  (Changed my mind about doing wrong.)
Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. … Luke 13:1-5, 3:3; Acts 2:38, 3:19; 2 Cor 7:10

3.          Have I obeyed baptism, if possible, so I can have my sins forgiven, receive the Holy Spirit, and be born again?
Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Acts 2:38; 22:16; John 1:33, 3:3-5; Lk 3:3

4.          Are repentance and the Spirit leading me to live a holy and humble life? 
… holiness, without which no one will see the Lord … Hebrews 12:14; James 4:6; Luke 3:3-8

But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolators, and all liars shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. 
Rev 21:8; 22:14-15; 1 Cor 6:9-11; Gal 5:18-24; Eph 5:5-6; Col 3:5-7

5.          Do I love God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind?  Luke 10:25-37
Do I love my neighbor as myself? 
1 John 3:18-19; Matthew 25:31-46; James 2:14-17
Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”  So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”  This is followed by the parable of the good Samaritan.  Only the Samaritan, who took the time and trouble to interrupt his travels and minister to the hurt man, was saved.

6.          Do I forgive?     Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

7.          Am I persecuted for my faith? 
all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Tim 3:12; Romans 8:17

8.          Am I lukewarm? Does my life prioritize serving God and others, praying, worshiping, and making disciples, or am I choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life?  I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  Rev. 3:15-16; Luke 8:14

9.      Will I continue in faith and holiness to the end of my life?
Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.  Romans 11:20-22; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Matt 5:13; Heb 6:4-8