How Do You Know You're Really Saved?

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Romans 10:9).

She was a young adult and came forward in church to ask to be rebaptized. She said she had come forward the first time because her best friends had, and she didn't think she had really been saved. Over and over again, I've heard people doubt their salvation. Many say they hoped they're saved, but how can we know? It is probably a valid concern. Billy Graham once said that only about two percent of professing Christians had really been saved.

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

First and most importantly, have you had a heart-change? Inviting Christ into your life will result in a changed life. You will want to live according to God's will and be pleasing to the Lord. You will desire to be like Christ, although you'll fall short over and over again. Your focus will shift from worldly things to godly things. You will grow in the Lord over time. God does not accept half a heart or limited commitment. Lukewarm religion is no religion at all, and lukewarm Christians will be spit out (see Revelation 3:16).

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your heats, ye double minded (James 4:8).

Secondly, evidence of salvation are the fruits you produce. Salvation itself has nothing to do with your service. You cannot work your way into heaven. However, once you truly belong to Christ, good works will stem from your changed life and a desire to be obedient, but these deeds will vary greatly depending on God's call. He may call the young mother to serve in her large family for now, instead of doing a lot of community service at this time. It is having a godly, servant's heart and being obedient that matters. If you are still unsure, pray about it. God will show you the answer if you study His Word and pray. You should know beyond a doubt.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

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