Forty Days of Seeking First The Kingdom of God
Click here to watch/listen to David read this with extra comments
_________________________
Daily Insight:
Assurance of salvation is more about a relationship with Christ than a checklist. Reflect on 2 Corinthians 13:5 and ask, is your faith rooted in the deep, transformative presence of Jesus in your life?
_____________________________
2 Corinthians 13:5 (CSB)
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test.
Imagine you're on a flight, cruising at 30,000 feet. The pilot comes on the intercom and asks, "How many of you are sure you're on the right plane?" That's a question that should have been settled before boarding! In the same way, how sure are you about your spiritual destination? This isn't a question to ponder mid-journey; it's a foundational one, essential for every step of your faith walk.
Today, we're diving into a critical topic: "How Sure Are You of Your Salvation?" This isn't about doubting God's promises but examining our response to them. It's like checking your boarding pass, ensuring you're not just on any flight, but the one headed where you truly intend to go—toward a life in Christ.
We'll explore this through Scripture, starting with Ephesians 2:8 (CSB), which reminds us, "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift." This journey will take us through key checkpoints of faith, repentance, obedience, and more, each vital part of our assurance in Christ. So buckle up, and let's make sure we're on the right flight!
1. Faith in Jesus Christ:
Scripture: "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—not from works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, CSB)
True Christian faith is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our works. It's about wholeheartedly trusting in Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, and lordship. This faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God and the foundation of our salvation.
2. Repentance of Sin:
Scripture: "Therefore, repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out." (Acts 3:19, CSB)
Repentance is a critical aspect of Christian life. It involves a genuine heart change, turning away from sin and towards God. This transformation clearly indicates a person's salvation, as it reflects an understanding of one's need for God’s mercy and grace.
3. Obedience to God’s Word:
Scripture: "The one who says, 'I have come to know him,' and yet doesn’t keep his commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (1 John 2:3–4, CSB)
Obedience to God's Word is a natural outcome of a genuine faith. It's not about legalistic rule-following, but a desire to live in a way that pleases God, driven by love and gratitude for His grace.
4. Fruit of the Spirit:
Scripture: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22–23, CSB)
The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. These qualities are not self-produced; they result from the Spirit's transformative work in us, reflecting Christ’s character.
5. Spiritual Growth:
Scripture: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18, CSB)
Explanation: Spiritual growth is a lifelong process for Christians. This involves increasing our understanding and application of God’s Word, deepening our relationship with Him, and maturing in our faith.
6. Love for Other Believers:
Scripture: "We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers and sisters." (1 John 3:14, CSB)
Love for other believers is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith. It expresses Jesus' command to love one another and reflects our unity and bond in Christ.
7. Perseverance in Faith:
Scripture: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13, CSB)
Perseverance in faith, especially through trials and challenges, is a sign of genuine belief. This endurance is not in our strength but through the sustaining power of God's grace.
8. The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit:
Scripture: "The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:16, CSB)
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in assuring believers of their salvation. This internal witness provides comfort and affirmation that we are indeed children of God.
9. Transformed Life:
Scripture: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, CSB)
Salvation in Christ brings about a fundamental transformation in a person's life. This change is evident in our desires, thoughts, and actions, signifying a break from the old self and the emergence of a new creation in Christ.
10. Hunger for God:
Scripture: "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God." (Psalm 42:1-2, CSB)
A deep desire and yearning for God, His presence, and His Word is a clear indicator of a heart that belongs to Him. This hunger for spiritual nourishment is essential in maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with God.
To ensure you are in Christ, it’s crucial to actively cultivate these aspects in your life. Regularly engage in prayer, Scripture reading, fellowship with other believers, and self-examination. These practices keep your faith vibrant and your relationship with God strong.
Lastly, the term "in Christ" in the Scriptures is vital. It emphasizes that our salvation and identity are rooted in our union with Christ, not our performance (Ephesians 1:3–4, CSB). Being “in Christ” means we are covered by His righteousness, and accepted by God not because of our works, but because of Christ’s finished work on the cross. Our assurance lies not in our abilities or merits but in the steadfast love and grace of Jesus Christ, who calls us to Himself and holds us secure in His hands.