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Assurance of Salvation — 9/17/2024 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dr. J.D. Greear, Lead Pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC. Pastor Greear explains what saving faith really means, and how we can know that we are truly saved. His text is Hebrews 3:12-14.
Notes
Understanding the Assurance of Your Salvation: Insights From Hebrews 3
Struggling with the assurance of salvation is a common experience for believers. It can be daunting to think that one might be in the group Jesus describes in Matthew 7:23, where He says, "I never knew you." This fear can overshadow our faith, making us question whether we truly belong to Him. However, understanding what saving faith is and how to be assured of it can provide clarity and peace.
What Is Saving Faith?
Saving faith is not merely a one-time prayer or a moment of emotional intensity; it is a posture of the heart that endures over a lifetime. Hebrews 3 provides insights into this concept, emphasizing that saving faith is a continuous, active relationship with God rather than a static belief.
Four Truths From Hebrews 3
- Saving Faith Is a Posture, Not Just a Prayer: Hebrews 3:12–14 teaches us that faith is demonstrated through our ongoing posture of trust and obedience. It's not just about the words of a prayer but about the way we live our lives in response to God’s grace.
- Faith Requires Action: As highlighted in Hebrews 3:18–19, real, saving faith will always manifest in action. True belief will be accompanied by obedience. Genuine faith transforms our actions.
- Unbelief and Disobedience Are Interconnected: True faith is not passive. It involves a deliberate choice to follow and obey God, reflecting our trust in Him. Belief becomes effective only when it is acted upon, revealing the depth of our faith. Patterns of disobedience show a lack of belief in God.
- Saving Faith Endures for a Lifetime: According to Hebrews 3:12–14, true saving faith persists. It is like an anchor in a harbor, holding firm through trials and challenges. Assurance of our salvation is not found in our past experiences alone but in the ongoing confidence we maintain in Christ.
How To Know You Have Saving Faith
Assurance of salvation is rooted in our current posture of faith and repentance, not just in past memories. Conversion is an initial step, but the evidence of saving faith is a consistent, enduring posture of repentance and trust. When we face struggles and setbacks, our return to a posture of faith and repentance shows the enduring nature of our salvation. A transformed life is a clear indicator of genuine conversion. If your friends and family can see a noticeable change in you — if your life reflects the power of God’s resurrection — then you are likely living out your faith authentically.
Practical Application
To assure yourself of your salvation, reflect on your present posture. Are you engaged in a real, ongoing relationship with Jesus? Are you continually in a state of repentance and faith? These are crucial questions that reveal whether your faith is enduring. Understanding the assurance of salvation involves recognizing that saving faith is a lifelong posture of trust and obedience, not a fleeting moment. By aligning your life with the principles in Hebrews 3, you can gain the confidence and peace of knowing that your faith is genuine and enduring.