How to know you are saved

We just went through those truths about how to be saved, and it seems like it would be enough to say “I did that already” but the Bible says “We know that we are in Him by the Spirit that He has given us” (1 John 3:24) and that is the place to find assurance, by His Spirit.

Romans 8:14 says “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” and verse 16 says His Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

Well, how do we know if we have the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22–23 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. Those are what the Holy Spirit produces in our hearts. They are not things to strive for; we have a choice to act on those things, but that’s getting ahead; that’s after salvation, but before salvation those things were not even in our hearts; there was only emptiness.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature- you’re a new creation, a new person! If you are God’s child, His Spirit is in you and you’re going to see a difference in your heart.

Now maybe you haven’t grown much outwardly, but that is different because it’s your choice to live out what God has done in your heart. It doesn’t necessarily mean you were never saved; you just need to spend time seeking God so you can grow.

However, if you’ve never had peace with God, I encourage you to seek Him right now.

Tell Him that you believe He sent Jesus to die for you. Tell Him you are sorry for your sins. Leave your own goodness behind (there is nothing good in ourselves, as the Bible says). Tell Him that you want Him to change your heart so you can be like Him- so you can truly love Him, and love and forgive others.

It can be something like this:

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for the sins I have done against You. I have broken Your commands and lived my own way, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and arose from the dead, and I trust in You to give me eternal life in heaven. Help me love and forgive others in the same way. Please lead me to know You in a real way. I need You to change my heart and make me a new person, and I submit to Your control in my life. Amen.

Take time to pray this way, and I believe God will give you peace!