This post is part of a series of core Christian principles for new believers. For more, visit the series archive.
This post covers the personal aspects of salvation and how it relates to each individual Christian.
How do I know I'm saved?
You must be presented with the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ's life and His accomplishments.
You then have the choice to believe it and accept what Christ has done for you, or deny it and face God's judgment on your own merit.
How do you accept Christ's free gift of salvation?
The same way you accept any other kind of gift, you have to receive it.
How do you receive something that you can't see?
All you have to do is believe that:
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins.
Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the third day.
Once you honestly accept this in your mind as true, then you need to confess your belief to God in prayer. (Romans 10:9)
If you have not done this yet, I urge you to do it now!
[PRAYER]
"God, I confess that I have sinned against You and I ask that You please forgive me. I need Your salvation and I wish to live in relationship with You from now on. I fully believe in Jesus Christ's accomplished work on the cross and that He rose from the dead. I willingly receive Christ Jesus as my Lord and personal Savior. Help me to follow You closely for the rest of my life. Thank You for accepting me, saving me, and adopting me into Your family. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen."
What happens if you do not accept the gift of salvation?
When you die and meet God, you will have to convince Him that you are worthy enough to live in Heaven.
Your entire life will be reviewed and if you have broken His divine law, at any time after birth, you will be denied entry and be sent to Hell. (Romans 3:23)
There is no hope in denying salvation because even though God loves you, He can not violate His justice for any individual, or He would no longer be considered God.
Do you wish to explain the gospel to a loved one, but you don't know how?
Use this excellent 5-minute gospel explainer video "The Story."
How does believing a story save me from going to Hell?
Think of it this way; you don't have to see the air, understand gravity, or even know the future for it to exist. It exists regardless if you choose to believe its principles or not.
"You can not change the truth, but it can change you."
The principle of belief is faith.
The biblical definition of faith is the promise of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
That means faith and believing are actions your soul (consciousness) performs, that transcend the physical world into the unseen spirit realm.
The action of faith is not physically seen, and neither is the transformation of your mind.
At the moment of salvation, we are changed in many ways, but some are undetectable by the naked eye.
The Bible says our minds will be transformed into the image of Christ. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
This means that over time, we will align our life, actions, and hearts with God's, just as Christ did.
"[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]." - Hebrews 12:2 (AMP) Can I lose my salvation?
No, you can NEVER lose your salvation!
The moment you believed the gospel, you are saved, and you cannot take it back. (Romans 11:29)
This is called Eternal Security, a.k.a. 'Once saved, always saved.'
No matter if you stop believing later in life or become angry with God and choose to deny the faith, you are still eternally saved.
The Bible addresses how IMPOSSIBLE it is to lose your salvation, for instance:
God sealed your soul (Ephesians 1:13) - Much like a tattoo, however, you can't see your soul let alone remove the seal God has placed on it.
Your life is hidden with Christ (Colossians 3:1-3) - There is no way you can travel to Heaven, find your hidden life, and then take it back from God.
You are Born again of the Spirit (1 Peter 1:23) - Just as you can not physically unbirth yourself or alter your genes, you can not do it spiritually either.
You did not do anything to earn salvation, and you can't do anything to lose it. It isn't conditional/dependent on your behavior or actions.
What happens when babes die?
Always remember God is just and perfectly able to identify who is innocent.
Christ paid the price for Adam's original sin, which protects all humans who are mentally unable to accept or deny Christ.
When children reach the age of God-consciousness(self-awareness, rational thinking, and moral understanding), they are presented with a choice. This age of accountability varies for each individual.
In some way or somehow, everyone will be presented with the truth about God, and they will be accountable for their choice.
God-consciousness is even found in nature so that people are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
The "Unpardonable Sin"
All non-Christians beware of the sin that can't be forgiven.
"Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.
And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in that which is to come." - Matthew 12:31-32 (ASV)When the truth is presented to someone, The Holy Spirit is working to help them understand the gospel of Christ and communicate with the triune God. (Romans 8:16)
To blaspheme The Holy Spirit is to call Him a liar and disrespect His work by rejecting the gift of salvation.
If a person does not accept Christ before they die, then their rejection is permanent and can not be forgiven.
We can't judge if someone is genuinely/honestly saved or not. Only God knows, and only God has the authority to judge their salvation.
Scriptures:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
Songs:
"All my hope is in Jesus
Thank God that yesterday's gone
All my sins are forgiven
And I've been washed by the blood..."
"Jesus, Jesus that's we call you
Manger born put on a tree
You died to save humanity
You are the living Word..."
Sermons:
Eternal Life: You Can Be Sure - Part 1 (25 mins)
Eternal Life: You Can Be Sure - Part 2 (25 mins)
by InTouch Ministries
Are you sure you have eternal life? Many people are bothered by that question and respond in uncertain, doubtful, even defensive ways. But if you truly understand...
As you grow in confidence of personal salvation, we will discuss your formal public appearance as a new believer in [Step 3] next Wednesday.
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