How to Know that You Know: Finding Assurance of Your Salvation

1 John 2:3-6

In our spiritual journeys, one of the most crucial questions we face is this: How can we be certain of our salvation? This question strikes at the heart of our faith, touching on themes of assurance, obedience, and what it truly means to know God. Let's explore this vital topic and uncover some profound truths that can help us find certainty in our relationship with Christ.

The Importance of Assurance

Having absolute assurance of our salvation is more than just a comforting thought—it's a foretaste of heaven itself. As the hymn writer Fanny Crosby penned, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!" This assurance brings peace, joy, and a firm foundation for our faith. But how do we attain it?

Three Key Perspectives on Assurance

1. It's possible to be saved and not have assurance.
2. It's possible to have assurance and not be saved.
3. It's possible to be saved and have full assurance.

Let's break these down further.

Saved Without Assurance

Some believers struggle with doubt, feeling uncertain about their salvation despite their faith. This isn't uncommon, and it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't saved. Factors like strong preaching on God's holy standards, difficulty accepting forgiveness, or not remembering the exact moment of salvation can contribute to this uncertainty. However, wrestling with these doubts can be a sign of spiritual life and growth.

False Assurance

Perhaps more dangerous is the state of having assurance without actually being saved. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 7:21, saying, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." This false assurance often stems from misconceptions about what it means to be saved or relying on past experiences without ongoing obedience to Christ.

True Assurance

The goal for every believer should be to have genuine salvation accompanied by full assurance. This assurance comes from both subjective and objective sources. Subjectively, the Holy Spirit bears witness within us that we are children of God. Objectively, we can look at the evidence of our faith through our obedience to Christ.

The Test of Obedience

In 1 John 2:3-6, we find a powerful test for assurance:

"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."

This passage presents obedience as the key indicator of genuine faith. It's not about perfection, but direction. A true believer's heart desires to obey Christ, even if they sometimes fall short.

Obedience Expressed, Examined, and Exemplified

1. Obedience Expressed: Our ongoing obedience to Christ's commands demonstrates that we truly know Him.

2. Obedience Examined: Those who claim to know Christ but don't obey Him are deceiving themselves.

3. Obedience Exemplified: True believers strive to walk as Jesus walked, making Christlikeness their ultimate goal.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

Jesus illustrates this principle beautifully in Matthew 7:24-27 with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise man who built his house on the rock represents those who hear Jesus' words and put them into practice. Their faith stands firm in the face of life's storms. The foolish man who built on sand represents those who hear but don't obey, leading to eventual collapse.

This parable isn't about two types of Christians, but rather distinguishes between true and false believers. Obedience is the foundation that weathers the storms of judgment.

Love Perfected Through Obedience

Obedience isn't just about following rules; it's an expression of love. As 1 John 2:5 states, "But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them." Our obedience to God's word demonstrates and perfects our love for Him. It's not motivated by fear of punishment or desire for reward, but by genuine gratitude and love for God's saving grace.

Christlikeness: The Ultimate Evidence

The pinnacle of assurance comes through Christlikeness. As we grow in our faith, we should increasingly reflect the character and actions of Jesus. This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, producing fruit that no amount of religious activity can fake.

Just as a portrait helps us remember someone's appearance, our lives should be living portraits of Christ to the world. When people look at us, they should see a reflection of Jesus.

Reflecting on Our Assurance

As we consider these truths, let's ask ourselves some important questions:

1. Do I have a genuine desire to obey Christ's commands?
2. Is my life marked by increasing Christlikeness?
3. Do I confess and repent when I fall short, demonstrating sensitivity to sin?
4. Am I growing in my love for God and others?

Remember, assurance isn't about achieving perfection, but about the direction of our lives. It's about a heart that longs to please God and a life that increasingly reflects His character.

In conclusion, true assurance of salvation comes through a combination of the Spirit's inner witness and the outward evidence of a transformed life. As we walk in obedience to Christ, striving to become more like Him each day, we can grow in confidence that our faith is genuine. Let's continue to examine ourselves, not in fear, but in a sincere desire to know and follow Christ more deeply. For in doing so, we'll find that blessed assurance that brings peace to our souls and glory to our God.