Secure Salvation by Pete BriscoeSample

Can I be sure?

Is it possible to be absolutely sure dawn is coming—that our salvation will be there for us at the end? I had a friend who was troubled over this question. Turns out, the man who’d led him to Christ later left the church and claimed atheism.

“If that guy can walk away from Jesus, can I walk away from Him too?” he asked. “Is it possible to really know that my salvation is for certain?”

I absolutely believe full assurance is possible, but first I want to walk you through what most of us already have: subjective assurance.

In Galatians 4:6, Paul writes, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son… who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

There is an interaction that takes place when we say yes to Jesus—we are given the indwelling Spirit of Christ. As He lives in us, there is an intimate knowing of the Father. We feel and experience the new life. This experience is a subjective knowing.

Imagine you need a heart transplant. You want the best surgeon to cut you open, so you research all the physicians in your area.

On surgery day a friend asks, “Are you sure this is going to work?”

And you’re like, “Yeah, I’m pretty sure. But talk to me afterwards.”

A few months later, the new heart is pumping and you’re back to health. If someone were to ask you about that doctor now, you’d say, “Yes! I’m absolutely convinced she can do the job.”

Those of us who’ve received a heart transplant from Jesus possess a subjective feeling that He’s there. But then life gets hard. We pray for healing but experience loss. We pray for our marriage but find ourselves divorced. Over time we wonder, If He didn’t come through in that situation, how do I know He’ll come through for me on my salvation?

The objective answer to this question is found in God’s promises.

Holy Spirit, to know You by experience is a gift. To trust You with confidence is an identity. Bless my time this week as I learn about Your character and Your promise of a salvation that can be trusted. Amen.