Question
Define assurance of salvation.
Answer
We all want to be assured of salvation, and I believe we can be without doubt concerning our relationship to God. Let’s look at some passages of scripture.
ASV Act 17:30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent: 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Paul speaking to the Athenians on Mars Hill tells them that God commands that all men need to repent of sin. Why? Because judgement day is coming, and Christ will be the judge. Proof or assurance of this is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Assurance #1 is judgement is coming.
Next look at ASV Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, (even) Christ,
In this context Paul comforts the Colossian Christians, reminding them that they can be assured that the true knowledge of God’s mystery is in Christ. Also they were to “walk in Him” (Col. 2:6), they were complete in Him (Col. 2:10), they had been buried with Him in baptism (Col.
2:12), then they were forgiven of all their trespasses (Col. 2:13). Assurance #2 is forgiveness of all our trespasses is in baptism.
Next see ASV Heb 5:9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;
The writer to the Hebrews makes it plain, Assurance #3 – Eternal salvation is to all those who obey Christ. Jesus Christ said in ASV Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. Jesus is very plain, Assurance #4 – Salvation to him who believes and is baptized.
Lastly look at ASV 1Jo 1:7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. As long as we walk in the Light (Jesus Christ) we have fellowship with him.
In general we can be assured of salvation when we obey Christ, and continue to walk in Him.
By Larry Snell
