Evidence of Salvation

Because strait is the gate: and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14)

Our Christian life is a journey, and we should be growing in faith and toward God all the while. There will be rough spots and smooth sections, as with any journey. However, the Bible says not many will take the right path. Jesus is the gate, but Matthew tells us that few will find it. You see, it's not enough to declare that Jesus is your Savior and submit to baptism to prove it. Your life must yield the fruits of a saved life.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

How do you know that you are saved? First of all, you should be aware of a heart-change. No longer is everything all about you but more and more, it becomes about Christ. You feel different, because the Holy Spirit dwells in you to guide you, and you can see your life and your values changing. It won't happen all at once, but you will continue to grow toward becoming the person God created you to be.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6).

You will find yourself seeking more of God, wanting an intimate relationship with Him, and needing Him more than you need anything else. Reading the Bible becomes less and less of a chore and more of an opportunity to understand God and what he wants of His children. Your prayers become longer, as you look forward to spending this special one-on-one time with the Creator. You hunger and thirst more after righteousness than you do for anything of this world. And your love for Him and others continue to increase.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you (Matthew 7:7).

In order to get to this place, the only thing you need to do is seek and submit. God will do the rest. You will find yourself looking for ways to serve Him, listening for His call, and savoring His presence. Your greatest desire becomes to please Him. What an abundant, joyous way to live. If you feel you've taken the wider path instead of the narrow one, don't despair. It's never too late. He's beckoning for you to come. He'll show you the way.

_____________________________