Slideshow image

Have you ever doubted your faith? Questioned whether you're truly saved? If so, you're not alone. Throughout history, even great Christian leaders and thinkers have wrestled with doubt. From Abraham and Moses in the Bible to saints in history like Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Charles Spurgeon - all experienced seasons of doubt.

But here's the good news: the presence of doubt doesn't mean the absence of salvation. While doubts may indicate something in our soul needs attention, they don't negate our relationship with God. In fact, the Bible was given to us so that we might overcome our doubts and find assurance in our salvation.

Let's explore four key sources of assurance that can help us cultivate a strong, confident faith:

The Work of Jesus in the Gospel

The foundation of our assurance lies in the work Jesus has done to rescue sinners. The gospel message can be summarized in four C's:

  • Creator: God is the holy creator of the universe.
  • Curse: Sin has corrupted God's good world.
  • Christ: Jesus lived a sinless life, died in our place, then rose from the dead.
  • Call: We are invited to repent and believe in Jesus and be saved.

Understanding the gospel destroys self-assurance, which is often the greatest threat to genuine assurance. We don't need to perform perfectly or believe "enough" - we simply need to believe in Jesus and what He has done for us.

Scripture affirms this truth: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6:47) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31)

The Word of God and Its Promises

God's Word provides two categories of promises that are particularly important for assurance.

First, God promises that everybody who repents and believes the gospel will be saved. "To [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name." (Acts 10:43)

Second, God promises that nobody who repents and believes in the gospel will be finally lost. "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out." (John 6:37)

As we grow in our love for and understanding of God's Word, our assurance will deepen. This is why it's crucial to immerse ourselves in Scripture regularly.

The Witness of the Holy Spirit in Our Hearts

The Holy Spirit works subjectively in the hearts of believers to help us feel like we belong to God. Romans 8:16 tells us, "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

However, we don't always feel the Spirit's presence. In those moments, we shouldn't wait passively for feelings to return or try to manufacture a spiritual experience. Instead, we should remind ourselves of the gospel and God's promises. The Holy Spirit uses these truths as kindling to ignite assurance in our hearts.

The Works that Reveal Our Faith

While salvation comes through faith alone, genuine faith will produce good works. Jesus said, "You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). Our changed lives and good deeds serve as evidence of our salvation.

However, it's important to approach this source of assurance carefully. Focusing too much on our works can lead to either pride or despair. Instead, think of good works as a speedometer that reflects the genuineness of your faith, rather than the accelerator that increases it.

The goal is not to ask, "Do I love Jesus enough?" but simply, "Do I love Jesus?" We shouldn't compare our works to others, but to the standard in God's Word. And ultimately, our focus should remain on the gospel and God's promises, trusting that good works will naturally follow.

Finding Peace in Assurance

Cultivating assurance of salvation is vital for a thriving faith. When we're secure in our relationship with God, we can serve Him with joy and confidence, rather than fear and uncertainty.

Remember the story of the renowned theologian who, when asked about the greatest thought that ever crossed his mind, simply replied: "Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so." Sometimes, the most profound truths are also the simplest.

If you're struggling with doubt, take heart. Return to the basics of the gospel. Immerse yourself in God's Word and its promises. Ask the Holy Spirit to witness to your spirit that you are God's child. And look for the evidence of faith in your life, not as a means of earning salvation, but as confirmation of what God has already done in you.

Above all, rest in the love of God. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, we can know that we are "brothers loved by God" and that "He has chosen you" (1 Thessalonians 1:4). This love is not based on our performance but on God's gracious choice.

Let us encourage one another with these truths, for as the Scripture says, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Our assurance ultimately rests not in our own efforts, but in the faithfulness of God who promises to finish what He has started in us.

May you find peace and joy in the blessed assurance of your salvation today and always.