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