Creator, Father, King #188

Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord! Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES, SOCIAL SECURITY cards, graduation diplomas, product warranties . . .

Life is full of tangible documents that validate various aspects of our lives. They confirm our status, inform us of our rights, and so on.

But Christians don’t receive a certificate or any other physical evidence when they trust in Jesus. Yes, God’s regenerative, justifying work of salvation is genuine and transformative. But it’s an unseen act of his Spirit, accomplished miraculously in human hearts.

This returns us to Matthew 7:21. One day, countless people will stand before God’s judgment throne thinking they did everything necessary for entrance into heaven, only to be turned away. It’s a sobering thought. Naturally, this leads some Christians to wonder, Will that be me? How can I be assured of my salvation?

Take heart! God answers this clearly in his Word.

What’s It Mean?

First, remember that salvation doesn’t depend upon us or our performance. (Thank goodness!) It rests on God’s character, his promises, and Christ’s finished work of redemption. What God started in eternity past—choosing all believers “to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Ephesians 1:4)—he will certainly bring to completion for his glory and their good (Romans 8:28-39).

What’s more, God has placed his Spirit inside every believer as an authenticating mark. “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). The Holy Spirit produces spiritual fruit that wouldn’t be possible apart from a regenerated heart.

With that in mind, ask yourself if you’re growing in these ways:

• in your love of God, devotion to Christ, and obedience to his Word
• in your hatred of sin and worldly temptations
• in the fruits of the Spirit
• in your love of Scripture reading, prayer, regular worship with other believers, etc.

These are some marks of true faith. Does every Christian do these things perfectly all the time? No, of course not! Indwelling sin still remains. But true faith manifests itself in maturing spiritual fruit (James 2:14-26; Galatians 5:22-23).

There are, of course, false assurances of faith. These normally stem from a misunderstanding of salvation and misapplication of Scripture. But when we rightly apply God’s Word and rest in his Spirit, true Christians can “confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10, ESV).

Now What?

For more on God’s Spirit as our guaranteed “seal” of an authentic faith (or his “mark,” as some versions put it), see 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; and Ephesians 4:30.

Did You Know?

Moments of doubt don’t disqualify God’s children. The more you grow in your understanding of God, Scripture, and the Christian walk, the more your doubts will fade (Mark 9:24).