Assurance of Salvation

Matthew 1:21; Romans 10:8-13; Ephesians 1:8,9
Salvation is a very important part of our relationship with God, that is why the whole Scripture if full of teachings on the subject. There are so many events recorded in the Scripture, which shows God's plan for salvation. The prophets in the Old Testament also enphasised the same point (1 Peter 1:10,11). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, also explained and taught salvation through the grace of God. If salvation is so important, we should therefore give quality time to study it.
Salvation is freedom from sin, which leads to a change of life as a result of repentance and faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. It is also forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation includes freedom from the guilt of sin, the power of sin and the consequence of sin. It is not represented by healing, becoming a member of a church, changing name or renouncing of some vices on moral ground. It is not attained on human merits by fasting, doing religious activities or going on pilgrimage. Salvation is not aimed to make us turn a new leaf, but to make us live a new life in Christ. The grace of God teaches us to deny all ungodly acts and live soberly, righteously and godly in this present evil world (Titus 2:12).
It is unfortunate that some people who claim to be Christians do not have assurance of salvation. Thier story of conversion is very weak and unclear. On the other hand, there are those who have false hope. They have strong confidence that they are saved but on a wrong foundation of wrong doctrines. This study is to help us check and establish our feet on the solid rock.

THE PLACE OF GRACE AND FAITH IN SALVATION
Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 2:11; Romans 10:9-13; 2 Corinthians 9:8
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest anyman should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation does not come by merely doing the works of the law. Also, salvation does not grant indulgence in sin (Romans 6:1,2).
The word of God tells us that, "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). Our justification is on the basis of our acceptance of the grace of God and the faith we have in the atoning work of Christ. To become saved, a sinner should do the following:

1. Acknowledge his sins (Romans 3:23)
2. Confess them to God (Proverbs 28:13)
3. Forsake the sins (Isaiah 55:6,7)
   4: Accept Jesus into his heart as Lord and Saviour.
   God's offer of salvation is by grace. Grace means the favour of God, which we receive without any merit or work. It is the provision of God for mankind. it is help for the helpless. It is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Salvation is the object of grace.
   Faith is the mechanism through which man receives salvation. Faith keeps us going in the way of salvation. Also, daily prayer for God's grace would keep us strong enough to withstand temptations.

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION AND ITS FRUITS.
John 3:15-19,36; 5:24,39: 6:47; Acts 10:43; 13:39; Romans 10:9,10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9.
When we repent of our sins and forsake them, God forgives us. However, the devil may come to create doubts in our hearts, to make us think that we do not have salvation. This is where many youths have problem with assurance of salvation. They think they should feel something or should have shed tears before they could claim salvation. After God has given them salvation, some think that, because they are not feeling happy in a particular situation, they may have lost the experience. While the experience of salvation may be accompanied by these, it is important to note that they are not the main proofs of salvation. There are basic things us the assurance of salvation.
Assurance of salvation means a firm and confident understanding that one's sins are forgiven. It means to be sure that one is born again and is a child of God. Anyone who lacks this assurance cannot overcome sin, Satan, the world and temptations. We receive this assurance of salvation through the spirit and the word of God.
Our salvation is conditioned on our faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour, which results in a change of life. Specifically, our lives begin to touch others in a positive way. There will be daily victory over sin, love and regard for God and other fellow human being. Also, the Spirit of God will bear witness with our spirit that we are children of God.