by R. L. Morrison

Is it possible for a person to know he has been saved? This question, frequently asked, is important and deserves serious consideration in order to determine the Bible answer. The Bible is the only source to which we should turn for this answer for those given by men differ greatly. Many people go through life in constant doubt as to their forgiveness. But surely we can believe that God, who desired our salvation and gave His Son to save us, has revealed the answer so it can be understood.

Some would answer the question, "I know the time and place I was saved because of the feeling I had." Another might say, "When the Spirit gets in your heart, you know it, you feel it." But that is about as far as one can go with such an answer. He knows he is saved by the way he felt, but cannot further explain his conversion or tell another how to be saved.

Are feelings evidence of pardon? The Bible answers with an emphatic "NO!" "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12). Jacob felt that his son, Joseph, had been slain by a wild beast. He was wrong. Joseph was very much alive, having been sold as a slave by his ten older brothers (Gen. 37:17-33). Saul of Tarsus (later Paul, the apostle) had a good conscience, felt that he was serving God when he consented to the stoning to death of Stephen. He thought he was doing right (Acts 23:1; 7:58). After he learned the truth, he called himself chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). These examples show that a person may feel right, think they are right, have a good conscience, and yet be wrong or lost.

Belief of a lie can make one happy or sad depending on the nature of that which is believed. We have all, at one time or another in life, been affected by believing something that was not true. The same principle is involved in our relationship to God. It is not that God has or will reveal an untruth to us. But we are prone to accept that which is contrary to God's will, especially if it is what we want.

If a person just feels he is saved, how does he know how a saved person should feel? He, of course, has never been saved before, never had that feeling. Can one be sure the feeling he has is evidence of his pardon? There is no certainty, as we have shown that feelings can be deceptive.

But is there a way by which a person can KNOW he has been saved, that God has pardoned him? We believe there is. The New Testament gives such assurance. That is the reason the New Testament was written, to tell the sinner what to do to be saved (receive pardon), and assure him of his standing with God when it is done.

We should understand that conversion is a simple, easily understood process. It is not, as some teach today, a vague, indistinct, mysterious happening or event. In being saved or pardoned, Paul said to the Romans, "One must obey from the heart the form of doctrine the apostles delivered" (Rom. 6:17-18). This means there must be understanding on the part of the sinner as well as obedience. Jesus commanded the apostles to preach the gospel to every creature; to teach all nations, and to baptize those who believed the word which they heard (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16). Paul said the word he preached could be understood when read (Eph. 3:4). From the words of Jesus and the examples of conversion in Acts, we learn that the terms of pardon for the sinner are (1) hearing and believing the word, (2) repentance, (3) confession of faith, (4) baptism, and (5) living a faithful and obedient life. The New Testament places remission of sins after the act of baptism, at which time Christ adds us to the Church. We must understand these are the commandments of the Lord.

Paul, writing to the Romans, states that which gives all the assurance of pardon anyone needs: "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Rom. 8:16). Notice Paul said the Spirit bears witness WITH our spirit, not TO our spirit as some believe. But how is this done?

Through the words of the apostles the Holy Spirit tells the sinner how to obtain pardon. Their obedience requires faith, repentance, confession of faith, and baptism. An example of this is found in Acts 8:36-37. These scriptures tell us the man who confessed his faith was baptized; he obeyed the commandments of God.

This is the mind or the witness of the Holy Spirit concerning becoming a Christian. You know your own heart. Have you obeyed the teaching of the Holy Spirit? If so, the Holy Spirit and your own spirit bear witness that you are a child of God.

This continues in your life. If you continue to live as a Christian is commanded, the Holy Spirit continues to bear witness with your spirit that you are faithful. Since you know your own heart, you can know that you are saved and living in such a manner as to be pleasing to God.

It is a comforting thought, that after one becomes a child of God, he continues to have the same evidence of pardon. Christ not only promises to save the obedient believer from past sins, but promises to continue with the child of God in life.

Some might ask, "If one is saved, does he need continued assurance or evidence of pardon?" The answer is YES! The saved person will be tempted, and is subject to sin. James wrote (James 1:14-15): "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James wrote this warning to brethren. To this idea, John added (1 John 1:10): "If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." So we will be tempted as Christians, and sometimes we will sin.

But we can have pardon or forgiveness of it. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). Again: "Confess your faults (trespasses) one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). This is a reference to spiritual healing, or forgiveness.

Peter told Simon, a baptized believer, who had sinned: "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22).

We have found the witness or command of the Holy Spirit to the erring Christian: "Repent and pray"; also pray one for another. When we do this, and when we continue to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, we can know we have evidence of pardon.

Consider now, a few passages of scripture which will strengthen your faith and assurance. "Let you conversation (manner of life) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what men shall do unto me" (Heb. 13:5-6). Is your manner of life without covetousness? You know your own heart, your manner of life. IF it is, be assured that He will never leave or forsake you. He will be your helper, your strength. You will overcome all that the world and Satan can bring against you. .

"The Lord is near; have no anxiety, but in everything make your requests known to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your heart and your thoughts in Christ Jesus" (Phil.4:6-7).

Here is assurance for the Christian. IF one obeys God in his manner of life, living every day as God requires, he has the assurance that God is with him, and that eternal salvation awaits him in the day of judgment.

Do you have this assurance? Does it give you the strength and courage to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ? If you do not have this assurance, why do you not obey the gospel, and become a Christian? You have nothing to lose and all to gain!