In today’s devotion, let’s take a look at a couple of very distinct clues that show how we can know that we are saved forever! We will start by looking again at how sin can creep into our lives, but as He always does, Christ shows us that we are His by revealing the “Conviction of Sin” and the consequences (punishment) that result from sin. The final clue that we will look at today is how the saved are always “Looking for Christ’s Return & Spending Eternity with Him!”.
Conviction of Sin
I am writing to true believers in Jesus Christ, those who have accepted Him as their savior. There are several key verses that will describe specifically how we know we are saved regarding the conviction of sin in our lives. I want to first start out by reminding us that in Romans 8:1, if we are saved there is now no more condemnation of sin. What that means is that if we have accepted Him as our savior, all our past, present and future sins have been forgiven. But we still have a sin nature in our lives and until perfected when we die and enter heaven, will be battling on a daily basis. So if I know that I will sin but have been forgiven, why do I need to confess it? I believe that when we sin, we lose fellowship with Christ, but retain our salvation. For us to draw close to Christ again we must “confess our sins as He [Christ] is faithful to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9 . We are convicted of sin through the Holy Spirit who lives within all believers. One of the many roles that He has is showing us right from wrong, and if we do wrong (sin) we are guided to the right way (John 16:3a). If you sin, you have an advocate with the Father and that is Jesus, His Son (1 John 2:1), and this itself proves that you are His child!
Punishment for sin
When I was a young boy growing up, I knew that my parents loved me dearly. Because they loved me dearly, they didn’t hesitate to correct me when I was doing wrong. Many people call that punishment, and they would be correct! In the same way, we as children of God need to be corrected when we mess things up (sin) and disobey God. There are plentiful scriptures about how and why God punishes those whom are His children. In Revelation 3:19, Christ clearly tells us that He chastises those He loves and that we are to “enthusiastically” repent. When I was punished as a boy, I remember my dad telling me that he loved me and that I should remember the punishment and not do wrong again. He told me one day I’d thank him for it – and he was right! In the same way we should thank God for showing us where we sinned and not do it again. If He punishes us, we should thank Him. You see, this is yet another way that we can know that we are His. Hebrews 12:5-8 elaborates further on this same message. At the end of verse 8, He says “8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons (NASB)“. If God is not punishing you, you probably are not one of His children.
Looking for Christ’s return
& Spending eternity with him
Together we have studied many ways to have assuredness of faith. In our last discussion, we look at one of the most exciting ways to know we are saved: “Looking For Christ’s Return & Spending Eternity with Him”.
It is so encouraging to read in scriptures how other believers reacted about Christ’s return. In 1 Corinthians 1:7, it says we are lacking in no gift and are “eagerly awaiting” the revelation of Christ. In Philippians 3:20 we are reminded that our citizenship is in Heaven and we eagerly wait for the savior, Jesus Christ and His return to take His people home! My 1pastor once said: “As Christians on this earth, this is the closest to hell that we will ever be as our eternal home is in Heaven with Jesus.”
Lastly, we have a home created for us personally by Jesus where we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. In John 14:1-3, Jesus says the following:
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. NASB”
That last verse says it all for me! I look forward to joining Him one day. I know that I’ll be with Him forever, along with the millions who have gone before me. I know that He has a special place He has made just for me! He will come again to receive us to Himself! Oh Come Lord Jesus, Come!
If you have that strong desire to be with Jesus and yearn for that time ahead, and you are excited about His second coming and the eternity with Him in eternity future, you are most definitely saved! If it seems far fetched and not that big a deal to you, please consider this your invitation to join Him today!
The last installment in this series will discuss as a summary all the ways we can have assuredness of our salvation in Jesus Christ. I will share one more clue to knowing we are saved as well!
Ref: 1Travis Agnew, Sr Pastor; Rocky Creek Baptist Church; Greenville, SC
J Mike Wills 