In today’s society, countless individuals identify as Christians yet lead lives that appear similar to everyone else’s. This dichotomy raises the question of what authentic faith truly means. It’s more than just “believing,” and that’s a notion found to be flimsy within Biblical teachings and the words of Jesus.
On that note, another common misconception is that doubting your faith is somehow sinful, which frankly, isn’t accurate.
As you reflect on your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors through the lens of Biblical teachings, the Spirit can reveal areas for growth.
However, this isn’t explicitly stated in the Bible.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, urged believers to examine their faith: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith: Examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Taking a closer look at your heart to ensure you’re on the right path can be beneficial.
Now that we’ve established the need for self-examination, let’s dive into a pressing question: “How can I know I’m saved?”
1. Understand what salvation involves
First off, if you’re unclear about what it means to be saved, it’s pretty hard to know if you are. Salvation signifies that God has freely granted you:
- Eyes that perceive the truth of the gospel, leading you to truly believe that Jesus lived, died, and resurrected to redeem you from sin.
- A repentant heart. You realize that your sins separate you from a holy God, and you long for a relationship with your Creator, aligning your life with His plan instead of your own.
The moment you embrace these truths, God initiates a miraculous transformation.
- He resurrects the spiritually dead.
- Your sins, past and present, are wiped clean since they were all borne by Jesus on the cross; this justifies you—making you “righteous” in God’s eyes due to His cleansing.
- You are spared from eternal separation from God.
- The Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you, commencing your journey of sanctification—progressing toward Christlikeness (spoiler alert: it takes your whole life!). With the Holy Spirit’s presence, your salvation is secure.
- You’re promised eventual glorification, meaning upon death, you’ll be free of worldly burdens and in the presence of Jesus.
So, what else indicates that you’re truly saved, especially considering the amazing gift you’ve received as a new believer?
2. Recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes:
You too were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard and believed the gospel of salvation. This Spirit serves as a pledge of our inheritance, ensuring our place in God’s family and glorifying Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
The Bible clarifies that the Holy Spirit takes residence within us at the moment of salvation—not at some later point, contrary to what some might say. The presence of the Lord within is definitely a hallmark of salvation.
If the Spirit of God lives in you, you are in the Spirit. If anyone doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, they don’t belong to Him. (Romans 8:9)
Later, Paul says:
Those led by the Spirit are children of God. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are indeed children of God. (Romans 8:14, 16)
Hence, the Holy Spirit within reassures you of your belonging to God. But how does this play out?
Have you noticed changes since you believed? Do you yearn to be different, to serve and love the God who saved you? (It’s important to note, it’s about the desires of the heart, not flawless actions.)
If the desire to change your life in accordance with God’s will arises, that’s the Holy Spirit prompting you. This assurance of the Spirit also complements other signs.
3. Utilize the Bible as a reflective tool
Are you engaging with the Bible regularly? More specifically, is there a desire within you to study it, even amidst a hectic schedule? The Holy Spirit often instills that need to be in the Word, and feeling that urge, surprisingly, can affirm your salvation. The Spirit is clearly working in you.
As you heed this call, God will shed light on Scripture, guiding you to become more like Jesus. Reflecting on your thoughts, attitudes, and conduct against Biblical teachings allows the Spirit to pinpoint areas that need attention.
If you’re motivated to engage with Scripture and are responsive to the Spirit’s guidance as you learn and grow, this becomes a significant affirmation of your salvation.
4. Connect with fellow believers
Do you cultivate relationships with other Christians? Are you seeking out a church community? This journey of faith isn’t meant to be navigated alone; staring at a screen doesn’t substitute for genuine relationships. Jesus commanded us to love one another, which is quite challenging from the comfort of your couch.
Ultimately, obedience involves actively seeking fellowship with other believers as prompted by the Spirit. God designed us for relationships—to love, serve, and be loved in return.
If you’re pursuing this, that’s another strong indication of your salvation. Stepping into an unfamiliar community — like searching for a church — can be quite daunting for anyone.
5. Observe the “Fruit of the Spirit” in your life
The scriptures provide abundant teachings about fruit-bearing. Followers of Jesus are called to produce good fruit. Specifically, let’s look at the “fruit of the Spirit” mentioned in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23):
- love
- joy
- peace
- patience
- kindness
- goodness
- faithfulness
- gentleness
- self-control
John MacArthur refers to this as the “fruit of attitude,” which emerges as we align ourselves with the Spirit. Yet, in the same Galatians chapter, there are contrasting terms. Paul also lists “acts of the flesh,” which encompass:
- sexual immorality
- impurities
- sensuality
- idolatry
- witchcraft
- hostility
- quarreling
- jealousy
- outbursts of anger
- selfish ambition
- division
- envy
- drunkenness
- wild parties
- and things like that.
So, are you more defined by the acts of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit?
Or perhaps you could ask yourself another question: What would you rather be characterized by? If it’s the good stuff, that yearning comes from the Holy Spirit, and that too is a sign of your salvation. God will assist you in turning that desire into reality over time, ultimately strengthening your assurance.
6. Consider how others have approached this question
Question: What are the signs of true saving faith?
Answer: For more insights, check out this website.
Question: What validates or invalidates the genuineness of saving faith?
Answer: See this resource.
7. Pay attention to the words of Jesus
I’ve mentioned before that the key question isn’t simply “Do you believe in Jesus?” Rather, it’s “Do you follow Jesus?”
If you genuinely repent and believe (as discussed earlier) and now find a desire to obey God and emulate Him, that longing is in fact from the Holy Spirit, providing assurance of your salvation. Jesus encapsulated this well:
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them from My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them from My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)
