"How to Know You're Saved (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)"

"How do I know that I am truly saved?" is a deeply personal question that both new and lifelong Christians in the faith have contemplated, condemned themselves with and even applauded themselves by. It’s a question not of religious performance, but of relationship and identity. How can a believer confirm that they are saved? How do they know that they are in right standing with God?

Salvation Through Faith in Jesus Alone

One of the truths a Christian will come to understand is the fact that the foundation of Christian salvation is not found in altruistic deeds or religious efforts—it is in faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9

If you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for your sins, and ‘If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved’. The Word of God says you are saved by grace, when you put your faith in Jesus alone, this is our gift from God (Romans 10:9-10). Remember: Salvation is not based on human sentiments, religious works or altruistic acts, but on the promises of God.

A New Birth, a New Way of Life

A ‘born again’ believer understands that you cannot earn salvation. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9: Salvation is a gift from God, received when we recognise our need for salvation, as we believe in the redemptive work of Christ and then confess our faith in Jesus ( John 3:3) . When a believer accepts Jesus into their life as Lord and Saviour, their life does not change all at once, but as time goes by, they will gradually notice ‘evidence’ of their salvation taking place. A born again Christian will notice that they will have:

1. A increase hunger for God and his word
2. An heart conviction over sin and a desire to turn away from it
3. A pursuit for the things of God and a love for others ( Matthew 6 : 33)
4. The person of the Holy Spirit actively at work in their life (Galatians 5: 22-23)

The Holy Spirit Confirms Your Identity

If you are looking for someone to confirm your salvation, then look no further than the person of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is the quiet but steady witness in your heart, who testifies to you that you are saved. Romans 8:16 says:

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

This powerful internal confirmation of your Christian identity does not always have to be dramatic one, for it to be real. As you fellowship with the Holy Spirit you will experience his comfort, conviction, and God’s love as you develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Preserved in Faith

Salvation requires us to do more than just offer to God a one-time prayer of repentance. Salvation is about a life that continues to trust in Jesus. Philippians 1:6 says ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:’ Jesus is the ‘Author and Finisher’ of our faith ( Hebrews 12:2) and without faith in Jesus it is impossible to please God or draw near to him, this is because our faith in Jesus preserves our lives. The will of God is that we establish our faith in Jesus.

For some of you reading this, you may be struggling with your faith. You may doubt, fear, or become anxious. But if you notice that your heart keeps turning back to Jesus Christ,then this is a sign that God is at work in you.

Final Word – God will confirm your salvation.

Let us look at the question again: How do you know that you are saved?

You will know when you see the following evidences of salvation.

• You have placed your trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
• Your heart is being transformed by His grace.
• You experience the present and active work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
• You continue to walk in faith, even though you have experienced life struggles.

Salvation is not about ambition, feelings, perfection or human works. Neither is salvation about how much you know, self-punishment, fasting, or meditation. Salvation is not about claiming to be saved, or pretending to be. Salvation is about direction – Where you begin to see your life pointing towards Christ. Christ is your hope, your strengthen, your truth and your life (John14:6). If you are living a life for Christ, with only him in view, then this is a strong sign that you belong to God in Christ. God’s unchanging Word, tells us God’s plan for salvation calls us into a new life in Christ. God promises us that if we place our trust in Jesus, we can rest in His promise found in John 6:37.

“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37

Reflection Time: “If God has already done everything needed to save me, can I let go of fear and simply rest in His love?”