How to Know IF You Are Saved

How to Know If You Are Saved

Bill Brinkworth

After one is saved, it is often questioned, “Am I really saved? How can I know for sure?” I John 3 helps answer some of those questions and doubts.

The first proof is “Whosoever abideth in him [Jesus] sinneth not …” (I John 3:6). A normal reaction after reading that verse would be one of panic, “Oh no, I have sinned since I have been saved, therefore I must not be saved.”

That is not what is being addressed here. It has been established all throughout the New Testament that even after we’re saved, we can still sin (Romans 3:10, 23). In I John 2:1 Christians are commanded not to sin, but if they do, they have an advocate (a person who defends one’s case in a court of law) in Christ. Why would we need an advocate, if we did not sin?

There also is a long list of righteous men that sinned, including: Moses, Lot, David, and Peter. The soul may be saved; but the flesh they were born with still sins, if it is not controlled by the spirit.

In verse 6, the word “sinneth” refers to a continuance in sin. It is implying a continuing practice of committing sin. When people are saved, they may sin, but they do not want to. If they do, they feel miserable until they get it right. The new ruling Spirit (the Holy Spirit) in their spiritual hearts does not want to sin. Sometimes the flesh lets that Spirit down, but a saved person will not want to sin!

Another proof is that a child of God will love the new family he is adopted into; he will love his Christian brothers and sisters (vs. 14).

“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” I John 3:14

A compassionate heart (vss. 17-19, 23) is another proof of one’s salvation. The indwelling Spirit of God attempts to take our minds off of ourselves and put them on the needs and concerns of others. He gives us the desire to help others.

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.” I John 3:23

A child of God has the ability to ask the Lord for help, and he will receive it (vs. 22); an unsaved person does not have that opportunity.

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:22

One that is saved will want to keep God’s commandments (vs. 24). It will trouble him, if he does not. Those that think one can be saved and do whatever he wants, most likely has never experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” I John 3:24

Salvation is not an “I think I am”, “I hope so” experience. According to the Scriptures it is a know-so conviction in one’s heart (I John 3:19, 24, I John 5:13).
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:13

“If you want to be like the Father, follow the Son.”

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #433.