© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
Most church members sincerely believe they are saved and destined for heaven. Some, however, seldom think about Christ after being encouraged to “decide for Christ.” In spite of this, church leaders tell them not to ever doubt their salvation. I’ve even heard evangelists say, “write the date of your decision in your Bible so that, if you ever doubt your salvation, you can look at that date and be reassured.
The Bible never tells us to trust a decision date written in a Bible. Rather, it says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Your assurance should not be based on whether or not you have a date written in your Bible. It should be based on evidence that you have repented of your sins and now have Christ truly living within you.
Are you saved? Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23). These will be people who have filled all the religious squares, but their hearts have remained dead and unchanged. Jesus looks on the heart! (1 Samuel 16:7)
Jesus is not telling us that we can earn salvation by doing the will of the Father. Only Christ (Jesus is God) could purchase the salvation of His people by His blood sacrifice at Golgotha. Rather, Jesus is explaining that those He saves undergo a drastic change. He immediately gives them new living hearts which, first, cry to Him for salvation from sin, and, then, follow Him in love. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27). In other words He becomes their Lord and Master.
Is your assurance based on your act of “deciding for Christ,” or upon His Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are His (Romans 8:16)?
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