Knowing for sure whether you are saved or not is an important question for many Christians. Here are some key things the Bible teaches about how you can know if you are truly saved:
Examine your heart and life
One of the clearest indications of salvation is seeing spiritual fruit in your life. As 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”
Some examples of spiritual fruit include: repentance from sin, desire to obey God, love for others, joy, peace, kindness, compassion, etc. These qualities come from the Spirit working in the believer’s life (Galatians 5:22-23). Of course, spiritual growth is a process. But over time, a saved person will show evidence of an inward change resulting in new godly attitudes, character and behaviors.
Jesus said “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). While looking at spiritual fruit isn’t infallible proof, it is often a good indicator of salvation. As 1 John 2:3-6 explains, those who know God will seek to keep His commandments and walk as Jesus did.
Rely on God’s promises and assurance
The Bible clearly promises that those who repent and believe in Christ will be saved (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31, John 3:16). When we trust in Christ, God seals us with His Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). We can rely on God’s faithfulness and the inner witness of the Holy Spirit to assure us of salvation (Romans 8:15-16). As 1 John 5:13 declares, “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.” We have God’s written Word assuring us of His gift of salvation.
Evaluate doctrinal beliefs
While doctrinal knowledge alone doesn’t save, holding to foundational gospel truths can provide evidence that you are saved. For example, acknowledging yourself as a sinner, believing that Jesus is God and the only way of salvation, trusting in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and believing in His bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Embracing the core doctrines of the faith shows that the Holy Spirit has opened your eyes to the truth. Of course, even true believers may sometimes struggle with doubts on secondary issues. But a general grasp of fundamental biblical truths is a good sign.
Check if you’ve experienced conversion
Although emotions shouldn’t be our only basis for assurance, Scripture links conversion with a spiritual enlightenment and awakening. Paul describes conversion as turning from darkness to light and receiving spiritual sight (Acts 26:18). It involves being made alive spiritually (Ephesians 2:1). The Holy Spirit convicts the unsaved of sin and unbelief (John 16:8). When a person repents and believes, they pass from spiritual death to life. The new believer feels this radical shift, from bondage to freedom, and darkness to light. They gain new spiritual understanding and desires. While experiences vary, the Bible connects conversion with a discernible spiritual change.
Of course, backsliding can happen after conversion too. But if you recall an experience of coming to genuine faith in Christ and being made spiritually alive, that confirms you were saved. Even if you don’t remember the exact moment, the evidence of conversion in your life now can still assure you.
Seek wise counsel from mature Christians
Getting feedback from mature believers who know you well can also help give assurance (or warn if you seem deceived). As Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” The body of Christ plays a valuable role in helping affirm salvation or alerting those who may be self-deceived. Experienced Christians can often provide helpful advice and spiritual perspective.
Of course, only God truly knows a person’s heart. But listening to godly counsel from church leaders, mentors and others is prudent when seeking to confirm your salvation. Their spiritual discernment and life experience can aid your self-evaluation.
Remember salvation is by faith, not feelings
While feelings change, God’s promises endure. Our assurance is built on Christ’s finished work, not our performance. As Hebrews 13:5-6 declares, God will never forsake those who trust in Him. God remains faithful even when we stumble. Salvation depends on His grace, not our goodness. Even if we don’t “feel” saved all the time, we can still rest in God’s firm promises to save all who believe.
The apostle John wrote 1 John to Christians who were struggling with assurance. He affirms the possibility of knowing we have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Despite ups and downs, we can cling to God’s Word and the truth of the gospel. Even when plagued by doubts, we can choose to believe and act on God’s promises by faith.
Examine if there is perseverance
Jesus said “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). Persevering in faith doesn’t earn salvation, but shows that God is at work in our lives. All who are born again continue in faith because God preserves them (John 10:28-29, Philippians 1:6). While they may stumble, true believers will get back up and keep following Christ. Though not perfect, their spiritual trajectory heads towards Christlikeness.
Check if your life shows endurance in godliness despite ups and downs. See if your faith remains alive even during trials. While imperfect, is the overall direction of your Christian walk one of growth? Though saved people backslide, they do get back on track. Examine your life for evidences of perseverance that indicate God’s sustaining grace.
Remember salvation is a process
Don’t get discouraged if assurance seems unclear. Growth in grace is a lifelong journey. There are seasons of doubt and times of triumph. God gives occasional glimpses of our progress to encourage us. But often spiritual change is gradual and almost imperceptible. Our faith will fluctuate, so remember to be patient and keep following Christ even when unsure. The path to assurance has peaks and valleys, so keep your eyes on Jesus.
Also remember that sanctification lags behind justification. We don’t need to achieve perfection to prove we are saved. Evidence of growth suffices to confirm we are on the right track. Baby steps of spiritual progress are good enough when it comes to assurance.
Pursue holiness
Striving to live a holy life provides assurance. Scripture encourages godly living as evidence of salvation. As Hebrews 12:14 states: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” Holiness builds assurance because it proves faith is alive and the Spirit indwelling. As we cooperate with God’s work in us, He confirms our standing with Him.
Of course, failures will happen. But regularly striving to obey God and forsake sin provides evidence that we belong to Him. Our efforts don’t save us, but do demonstrate that God is sanctifying us as His children.
Seek God wholeheartedly
Pursuing God with our whole hearts provides confirmation of salvation. Jesus said “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7). Part of finding assurance is passionately seeking the Lord and longing for more of Him. Keep praying, worshipping, studying the Word, and pursuing intimacy with God. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). The nearness of His presence assures us.
Also, obey Jesus’ command to regularly participate in communion and embrace His body the church. These spiritual practices build assurance as we fix our eyes on Christ.
Remember you are already seated with Christ
Our position in Christ gives assurance of salvation. Even when plagued by doubts, we can cling to the fact that spiritually we are already seated with Jesus in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). We don’t need to strive to attain a position we already have. Consider yourself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). By faith, embrace your new identity in Christ and what Jesus says is true of you.
Meditating often on our position “in Christ” helps overcome insecurity. Even if emotions waver, our spiritual position is unchanged. Anchor your assurance in your unchanging identity in Him.
There is no condemnation for those in Christ
Remembering there is now no condemnation for Christians provides assurance. Romans 8:1 declares “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Though Satan accuses, and we often feel guilty, God has declared us righteous by faith. Let feelings of guilt drive you to Christ, not away from Him. Rest in His forgiveness and cleansing. God accepts you based on Christ’s merits. Faith in God’s unconditional love can overcome lingering self-condemnation.
Recall you’ve passed from the domain of darkness into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). Cling to your new identity in Him as God’s child. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.
Take comfort in God’s sovereignty
God promises to complete the work He’s begun in us (Philippians 1:6). Knowing salvation depends fully on God provides assurance. Our perseverance comes from His preserving grace, not our own strength. Take comfort that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6). Remain patient and rest in Christ’s finished work for you.
Ask God for greater assurance
Keep seeking greater assurance from the Holy Spirit. Pray for Him to confirm and convince you of your salvation. Jesus said the Spirit guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). With childlike faith, ask your Heavenly Father to give you confidence of your place in His family. Consider saying to Him: “I believe, but help my unbelief!” Express your desire for stronger faith and assurance.
God delights to answer such humble prayers because He wants us firmly convinced of our security in His love. Ask and you will receive. Draw near to God and pray persistently for Him to increase your assurance.
In conclusion, by God’s grace we can know if we are saved by examining our lives, believing God’s promises, evaluating our beliefs, and trusting the Spirit’s inner witness. While imperfect, we can have confidence in our salvation as we see increasing evidences of God’s grace. Press on toward maturity, wait patiently through seasons of doubt, and keep seeking the Lord wholeheartedly. He remains faithful and will perfect the work He’s begun in you.