> Today, many identify as Christians simply because of their cultural upbringing, moral alignment, or association with the church. However, Scripture warns against false assurance, urging each of us to examine our faith and spiritual condition. Jesus Himself cautioned that not everyone who claims to follow Him truly knows Him:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, ESV).
This article will contrast the characteristics of true and false believers, provide biblical guidance for self-examination, and offer hope and instruction to those who are unsure of their standing before God.
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The Importance of Having Assurance of Your Salvation
Here is a collection of memorable quotes from R.C. Sproul, Tim Keller, John Piper, and John MacArthur on the importance of assurance of salvation:
R.C. Sproul
- “The assurance of salvation is not necessary for salvation itself, but it is necessary for the spiritual health and growth that flows from a vibrant relationship with God.”
- “If you struggle with assurance, don’t look to yourself — look to Christ. Your assurance comes by trusting in His finished work, not in the perfection of your faith.”
- “Faith is trusting Christ alone for your salvation. Assurance is resting in the sufficiency of His promise to save those who trust Him.”
Tim Keller
- “An identity based on God’s grace is humble, because you know you don’t deserve it, and yet it is profoundly secure, because no one can take it away from you.”
- “If you understand the gospel, the assurance of your salvation doesn’t come from how strong your faith is, but from how strong the object of your faith is — Jesus Christ.”
- “Only in Christianity does assurance of salvation come as a gift, because it’s not dependent on us, but on the perfect work of Jesus Christ.”
John Piper
- “God means for His children to have assurance because He wants us to glorify Him by enjoying Him with confidence, not trembling in fear.”
- “We confirm our calling and election — not to earn our salvation — but because we are saved and God has given us His Spirit. This assurance frees us to live courageously and joyfully for His glory.”
- “Pursue your assurance of salvation by keeping your eyes on Christ. Assurance flows when our gaze is fixed on who He is and what He did, not on ourselves.”
John MacArthur
- “The assurance of salvation is not built on human performance but on the power of God to keep His promises and preserve His people.”
- “If your salvation depended on you, you could lose it. Since salvation is God’s work, it’s impossible for Him to fail to accomplish it.”
- “A lack of assurance often stems from misunderstanding grace. Salvation is all of God, not of works. When you grasp this truth, peace and assurance will follow.”
These quotes collectively emphasize the gospel-centered nature of assurance, urging believers to rely on Christ’s finished work rather than their own efforts for security.
Characteristics of True vs. False Believers
Scripture provides clear distinctions between genuine faith and superficial belief. Let us consider these biblical markers:
– False Believers
- Outward Religiosity Without Heart Transformation
- False believers may attend church, recite prayers, or participate in religious activities, yet their hearts remain unchanged. They honor God with their lips but not with their lives (Isaiah 29:13).
- Jesus spoke harshly of the Pharisees who followed external rituals but lacked inward devotion, calling them “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27).
- Trust in Works or Heritage for Salvation
- Many cultural Christians believe their good deeds or Christian upbringing will secure their salvation. However, Scripture repeatedly affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, “not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- John the Baptist admonished the crowds: “And do not say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham” (Matthew 3:9).
- Worldly Lifestyle and Priorities
- False believers may profess Christ yet continue to live in unrepentant sin, demonstrating no desire for holiness or submission to God’s Word. The Apostle John states, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).
- Their lives often reflect more conformity to the world than transformation by the Spirit (Romans 12:2).
– True Believers
- Transformed Hearts and Lives
- True believers experience the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, resulting in repentance, faith, and a new nature. They delight in God’s Word and desire to walk in obedience (Ezekiel 36:26-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Jesus teaches, “You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16), referring to the observable transformation in a believer’s life.
- Faith in Christ Alone
- Genuine faith places complete trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Such believers understand they contribute nothing to their salvation but rely fully on God’s grace.
- The Apostle Paul writes, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).
- Growth in Holiness and Love for God
- True believers exhibit a growing love for God, His Word, and His people. They battle sin through the Spirit’s power and pursue holiness as evidence of their faith (Hebrews 12:14).
- Their lives demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Self-Examination: A Biblical Mandate
God repeatedly calls His people to examine themselves:
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
Here are some questions to prayerfully reflect upon:
- Do I see evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life (Galatians 5:22-23)?
- Do I have an increasing hatred of sin and love for righteousness (Romans 6:1-2, 1 Peter 1:14-16)?
- Is my faith centered on Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, not on my works (Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)?
- Do I hunger for God’s Word and strive to obey it (Psalm 1:2, John 14:15)?
- Am I willing to suffer for Christ and reject the pleasures of this world if required (Matthew 16:24-26, 2 Timothy 3:12)?
If these evidences are absent, it may be a sign that you have not yet been born again.
Moving Forward in Faith
If examination reveals that you might be unsaved or relying on cultural Christianity, it’s not too late. God’s mercy is available to all who turn to Him in genuine repentance and faith.
– Steps Toward Authentic Faith
- Acknowledge Your Sin and Need for a Savior
- Recognize that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and are deserving of God’s judgment (Romans 6:23). Cry out for His mercy with a humble and repentant heart (Luke 18:13).
- Believe the Gospel
- Embrace the good news: Jesus Christ lived perfectly, died sacrificially, and rose victoriously to save sinners. Trust His work on the cross as sufficient payment for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Commit to Christ as Lord
- Genuine faith involves not only trusting Jesus as Savior but also submitting to Him as Lord. This means a surrendered life, walking in obedience and striving to reflect His character (Luke 6:46).
- Seek Assurance Through the Word and Prayer
- Regularly study Scripture to deepen your understanding of salvation and spiritual growth. Ask God to reveal His truth and provide assurance through His Spirit (Romans 8:16-17).
- Become Part of a Gospel-Centered Church
- Surround yourself with mature believers who will encourage, challenge, and disciple you in your walk with Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25).
A Call to Urgency
Scripture warns that we do not know when our time on earth will end or when Christ will return. Do not delay in examining your spiritual condition. Jesus pleads for His followers to “enter through the narrow gate,” for the wide path leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
Let the sobering words of Jesus motivate your heart:
“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness'” (Matthew 7:22-23).
The stakes are eternal. Examine yourself. Repent and believe the gospel while there is still time.
Final Encouragement
For those who despair at their spiritual condition, remember that salvation is entirely the work of God and not your own. He delights in saving sinners who come to Him in humble faith.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Run to Christ. He will not turn away anyone who genuinely comes to Him (John 6:37).
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