The Assurance of Salvation

One of the more annoying problems in Christians' lives is the issue of assurance of salvation. We've all been there. We've all wondered if we are really saved or not. We've looked at our lives and actions and thoughts and sometimes just said, "How can I be saved if I am like this?" I've counseled many Christians who have doubted their salvation and who have worked themselves into a worry and sometimes even depression over the issue. I've always thought that the solution was pretty basic. I ask the person, "Why do you think you might not be saved?" Almost always the reason is, "Because I have a sin in my life. Because I can't beat this one sin. Because of my thoughts. Because I keep failing." "Okay," I say. "So you know you're supposed to be doing better than you are, right?" "Yes," they say. "I am supposed to be doing better and I'm not. This is why I doubt that I am saved." So, I give them this illustration. (Click on "Title" for Bible study.)