Saved and Sure

Published by THE SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD of the SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, Nashville, Tennessee

A boy sat whittling in the shade of a tree near where the road forked. Soon a car drew up, stopped, and a man leaned his head out of the window. “Where does this road to the right go, son?” he asked. The boy shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, without a word. “Well, where does the one to the left go, then?” The driver got the same dis­interested answer. By this time he was somewhat put out at the unconcern of the lad. ‘You’re pretty dumb, aren’t you,” he commented, “don’t you know any­thing?” “I know I ain’t lost,” came the swift reply.

Can you say with equal certainty, “I know I’m not lost”? Or to change a negative for a positive, do you know that you are saved, that you are a Chris­tian, assured of eternal life? When some people are asked this question they pause for a moment and then say, “Well, I think I am,” or, “I hope so.” Some even have the idea that salvation altogether concerns the future and has little to do with present reality on this earth. Haven’t you heard folks pray, ” … and save us at last, for Jesus’ sake. Amen”? A salvation that is worth having at all is worth having now.

The Bible makes it plain that a be­liever can know that he is saved. Jesus himself spoke these words: “He that be­lieveth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36). Notice those two verbs­ “believeth” and “hath.” Both of them are in the present tense: you believe now and you are saved now.

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” —John 3:36 

Writing to the church at Rome, Paul said: “There is therefore now no con­demnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). There is also this reassuring word from John: “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (l John 3:2).

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. —Romans 8:1

It is possible, then, to know that one is a child of God. But, you may ask, How may I know it? How do you know what day it is? You look at the calen­dar or newspaper and see the date. In like manner, you may turn to the Bible and read, “He that believeth on hint is not condemned” (John 3:18). Do you believe in Jesus? Are you trusting him?

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. —John 3:18 

A married person has a clear memory of the hour when he publicly exchanged vows with his loved one. But should something happen to blur that memory, he has satisfying proof of his married state in the continuous pleasure of fellowship with his loved one. So it is with the Christian. He will probably remember the day and the hour when he accepted the Lord, but the presence of Christ in his life will be the greatest source of assurance that he is saved. “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16).

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, —Romans 8:16

Are you ready now to say: “I am a Christian. I know that I am saved”? If you still admit that you are not sure, why not settle the matter once for all? As you read this tract the Holy Spirit is beside you; invisible, but nonetheless real. He is speaking to your heart urging you to surrender to Christ. Won’t you this very moment say, “Lord, I am not sure that I am a Christian. I want to be one, and as best I know how I am now trusting you to save me”?

Christ’s promise, “He that believeth… hath everlasting life,” is now ful­filled in you. You are, to quote the apostle Paul’s words, “…a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Naturally, you will want to associate with others who have had the same ex­perience. You should present yourself to the nearest Baptist church as a candidate for baptism and church membership. Thus you may proclaim to the world your allegiance to Christ and link your life with others who will help your spiritual growth.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17

Here are three rules for life which, if followed, will help to keep you rejoicing in the assurance of your salvation:

  1. Be loyal to your church. In its fellowship, your understanding of the Christian life will increase and your use­ fullness will develop.
  2. Read your Bible daily. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
  3. Go often to God in prayer. As you talk with him and listen to his voice, the certainty of his never-failing love for you will bring you security and peace.