It is surprising how many people there are who imagine that it is impossible to be sure of salvation. Again and again they tell us that "no one can know" that he is saved until "the judgment day." Is this true?
As most of you accept the authority of the Bible, it will be well for us to turn away from men's opinions and see what God's Word says on the subject.
First: the way of salvation — "What must I do to be saved?"
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Rom. 10:9.
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." John 6:47.
These and many other passages of Scripture make plain that salvation from the penalty of sin is obtained by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and by faith in Him alone.
Second: "How can we be sure?"
"We know that we have passed from death unto life." 1 John 3:14.
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God." Rom. 5:1.
"I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake." 1 John 2:12.
From such Scriptures it is evident that believers in the early days of Christianity had assurance of salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. How did they obtain it? Through God's precious Word. They did not "feel" that they were saved; they knew it on the authority of Scripture. Think of that last verse quoted: "These things have I written"—not these happy feelings have I given unto you—"that ye may know that ye have eternal life."
If the Bible was written that believers might have the assurance of eternal life, why not claim the blessing? "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 3:36. I believe on the Son of God, that He died for my sins and rose again from the dead, and God says that I have everlasting life.
I don't feel that I have everlasting life. I know I have it on the authority of God's Word and I feel happy because of it. Could I have any better ground of confidence? If God says I am saved, which would be the greater "presumption"—to believe, or to disbelieve Him?
"He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:10-12.
Why call God a liar? Why not believe on Christ and obtain eternal life as a free gift? Believe now on the Lord Jesus Christ, and salvation is yours.