FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
How Do I Know That I Am Saved?
The question of assurance in salvation is one that nearly every believer wrestles with. How can we know—truly and confidently—that we are saved? Thankfully, Scripture provides clarity, comfort, and confirmation for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
As Pastor Pete shared with us at Forge this week, our assurance does not rest on our feelings, which fluctuate, but on the unchanging promises of God. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”
Salvation is not earned—it is a gift.
When we place our faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross, we are saved. Jesus affirms this in John 10:28–29: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” We are secure not because we hold tightly to Him, but because He holds tightly to us. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, and…
HE NEVER LOSES EVEN ONE FROM HIS FLOCK!!
Yes, I am shouting, because we need to feast on these words.
The presence of the Holy Spirit is another assurance. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” The Spirit assures us of our standing with God and begins to transform us. We begin to bear fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more (Galatians 5:22–23). This transformation is evidence of the new life we have in Christ.
True saving faith always results in change.
2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This doesn’t mean we become perfect overnight, but we grow in our desire to follow Jesus, turn from sin, and live in obedience to God’s Word. That growth—even when slow—is a sign of genuine faith.
Doubt often enters when we focus on ourselves: our failures, our weakness, or our past. But our confidence isn’t found in our faithfulness—it’s found in God’s. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” He finishes what He starts.
Pastor Pete reminded us this week that at its heart, assurance comes from believing the gospel: Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. If you believe in Him, confess Him as Lord, and trust in His saving work—you are saved. 1 John 5:13 says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
So, trust in Jesus. Rest in His promises. And know this…
The Good Shepherd never loses one of His sheep.
To the King, who sets us FREE!
Joe Bouch
