How Do You Really Know If You're SAVED?

 If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really saved?” You’re not alone. 

Some people are confused when it comes to this subject.  I get it. Some people will tell you it's a matter of “just believe” (just agree Jesus is your Lord and Savior). Others believe they have to do more and earn it. Still others simply believe the act of walking to the front of a church after the altar call is sufficient. So which is it? 

" Am I saved"  is one of the most important questions anyone could ever ask. And the answer isn't found in opinions or denominations. It's found in the words of Jesus Himself. Start with John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am The Way, and The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except by Me." THAT'S IT. Jesus didn't say He was "a" way, or "one of many ways," He said, " I am THE way." Salvation begins and ends with Jesus. It is not earned by your behavior. It is RECEIVED by belief! Genuine faith by the Son of God who died and rose again for you.

Here's where people get confused. Salvation is not about doing more. BUT, it is also isn't about repeating a prayer and then walking away unchanged. When you truly give your life to Jesus something inside you changes. Your desires, your heart, your direction. You don't become  perfect overnight. But your spirit is made new. That's what Jesus meant in John 3:3 when He said, "Truly truly, I say unto you, unless a man be born again, he will cannot see the Kingdom of God." The word born-again doesn't mean a checklist. It means transformation. It's the moment God takes you from spiritual death to spiritual life. And yes, real faith produces fruit (the 9 characteristics of a life led by the Holy Spirit- see Galatians 5:22 for that list).  Matthew 7:17-18 also reminds us, every healthy tree bears good fruit. Now, fruit doesn't save you, it's the manifestation you're direction has changed. You're new. Alive.  "Born-again."

So to the person wondering, Am I truly saved? Here's what to remember: you don't get saved by doing more. You get saved by surrendering more. You don't earn God's love, you respond to it. You don't climb  your way to heaven! Jesus already brought heaven down to you. If you've accepted Him, REALLY accepted Him trust what he said in John 10: 28, "I give them eternal life and they will never perish. And no one pluck them out of my hand." That's security. That's assurance. But don't mistake that grace for permission to live however you want. If Jesus is your Savior, he is also your Lord. That means we follow Him. Not to be saved, but because we ARE saved!

If you're still wondering if you are really saved, ask yourself this:  "Did I just say the words or did I surrender my life? Because when Jesus moves in, He does not rent space. He takes over.

Until He Comes,

Pat