ASK THE PASTOR: Does the Bible teach Assurance of Salvation?

ASK THE PASTOR: Does the Bible teach Assurance of Salvation?

Assurance of salvation is a very important issue. It was also an issue that was important to the apostle John (author of The Gospel of John and The Epistles of John). John’s gospel was written to move readers to faith in Jesus that they might receive eternal life (John 20:31). However, later he wrote a letter (1 John) to assure those who have believed that they actually possess the priceless gift. 1 John 5:13 says “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life”. Not only can a believer have assurance of salvation, but he also can have assurance that God will hear his prayers and answer them (1 John 5:14).

But how do we know when we are saved? Romans 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your hear that God raised him from the dead you will be saved". Notice the language used here...it is a guarantee. If we believe, then we are saved. Ephesians 2:8 also tells us "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith". Thus, salvation is ultimately a gift from God. He offers it, He gives it, He promises it, and He guarantees it. If we didn't earn it in the first place, how can we lose it? Do we really believe that God is sovereign and loving enough to have saved us, but not sovereign and loving enough to "keep us saved". Ultimately, when we doubt our salvation, we doubt the power of God. In John 10:27-29, Jesus promises that we can never be snatched away from him. He is both strong enough and loving enough to keep us.

Once, many years ago, Queen Victoria had attended a service in St. Paul’s Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her chaplain, “Can one in this life be absolutely sure of eternal safety?” His answer was that he “knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure.”

This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the Gospel, John Townsend. He was an intimate friend of George Muller whose life of faith led to the founding of his well-known orphanages. This John Townsend was the father of “Sister Abigail,” another Christian of extraordinary faith and service.

After reading Queen Victoria’s question and the answer she received. John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:

“To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects: With trembling hands, but heart-filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure even now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10? These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work."

I strongly encourage you to read and meditate on 1 John. The entire book was written so Christians might be assured of their salvation.

Questions for Pastor Josh can be submitted via Email. "Ask the Pastor" is a feature in the monthly newsletter of Indian River Baptist Church. This blog republishes those Questions, along with others not selected for print publication.