Speaking the Truth in Love
How Can You Be Sure You Are Saved?
Unreliable Ways of Thinking You Are Saved:
1. By feelings or your conscience (Acts 23:1, 1 Timothy 4:2)
2. By assuming you are saved (Proverbs 16:25)
3. By following a false teacher or one who claims to be a man of God (Romans 16:18, Matthew 7:15, 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 11:13, Ephesians 4:14)
4. By following what the majority wants (Matthew 7:13-14, John 6:66-69)
Examples of People Being Saved in the Book of Acts:
1. Acts 2:14-47 - On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit guided Peter and the Apostles to preach the gospel. Many believed, repented, and were baptized for the remission of their sins. These were added to the Lord's Body, His Church. Those obedient to the gospel, gladly received the Word, continued steadfastly in the Apostle's doctrine, shared with those in need, praised God, and had favor with all men. Did these early Christians know they were saved?
2. Acts 8:26-39 - The Holy Spirit guided Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip then preached Jesus to the eunuch. The eunuch obeyed by confessing that he believed that Jesus was the Son of God and was baptized. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing. Did the eunuch know that he was saved? Notice that there were no miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed on the eunuch. What saved him was obedience to the gospel of Jesus.
3. Acts 10:1-11:18 - Peter was led to household of Cornelius. Cornelius was "a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always". Once Peter preached to Cornelius and his household, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. Then they were commanded to be baptized. Did these people know they were saved? Notice Acts 11:18.
*Please notice that the Holy Spirit had a big part in each one of these examples. His part was to provide a way for the lost to hear the gospel. Then it was up to the hearers to make a choice to obey or not to obey.
How did these early Christians know they were saved? They obeyed the gospel, the Word of God (Romans 1:16). That is the only way you can know you are saved today! Have you obeyed the Lord today? If you have not obeyed, you cannot be sure of salvation! "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16).
Check all the scriptures we have mentioned for yourself, and if they prove to be true, obey them!. The next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love" we will try to explore the question, "Can one be a Christian and be a member of a denomination?".
