How to KNOW if You’re Really Saved | ASSURANCE of SALVATION
One of the most common questions people ask is: How can I know if I will go to heaven or hell when I die? It’s nothing to be ashamed of—we’ve all wondered about it at some point. Many of us have laid in bed at night, feeling anxious and fearful, questioning our eternal destination. I remember that feeling—the dread, the uncertainty. I could push it out of my mind for a while, enjoying life with my friends, but eventually, the question would resurface: Where will I spend eternity? I had to know.
I am forever grateful to God for revealing the truth to me—that I was headed for hell—but also for offering me the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever wondered about your eternal destiny, keep reading. The Bible provides clear answers, and today, I want to share them with you.
Can You Know If You Have Eternal Life?
The Bible gives us an incredible assurance:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13 | NKJV)
Did you catch that? You can know whether you have eternal life. That also means you can know if you don’t have it. So, how can we be sure? The answer lies in understanding what it means to be “good.”
Are You a Good Person?
Most of us think we’re good people. After all, we haven’t murdered anyone, robbed a bank, or committed some heinous crime. But does that make us truly good? And who decides what “good” means? Thankfully, it’s not up to you or me—it’s up to God.
Jesus made it clear:
“‘No one is good but One, that is, God.’” (Mark 10:18 | NKJV)
God alone is the standard of goodness. And He has given us His Word to measure ourselves against. Let’s take a quick self-examination to see how we measure up to His standard:
Have you ever told a lie? That makes you a liar.
Have you ever stolen something, no matter how small? That makes you a thief.
Have you ever hated someone? God considers hatred to be murder in the heart (1 John 3:15).
Have you ever looked at someone with lust? Jesus says that’s adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:28).
By our own admission, we are lying, thieving, murdering adulterers at heart! And here’s what the Bible says about people like us:
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 | NKJV)
That’s the bad news. The even worse news? The Bible tells us where sinners will go:
“‘But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’” (Revelation 21:8 | NKJV)
If God judged you by His standard today, where would you go? If we’re honest, the answer is hell. But there’s hope!
The Good News: God’s Way to Salvation
Though we deserve punishment, God, in His great love, provided a way for us to be saved. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take our punishment.
Jesus was born of a virgin.
He lived a perfect, sinless life.
He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins.
He was buried and rose from the dead, conquering sin and death.
Through Jesus, God offers us forgiveness and eternal life.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 | NKJV)
Salvation is a gift—it cannot be earned through good works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 | NKJV)
But like any gift, it must be accepted on God’s terms.
How to Accept God’s Gift of Salvation
Hear the Gospel – “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 | NKJV). You must first know that you need salvation.
Believe in Jesus Christ – “‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved’” (Acts 16:31 | NKJV).
Repent of Your Sins – “…unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3 | NKJV). Repentance means turning away from sin and turning to God.
Confess Your Faith in Jesus – “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10 | NKJV).
Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Sins – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16 | NKJV). Baptism is not just a symbolic act; it is the moment when our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).
Remain Faithful – “‘Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life’” (Revelation 2:10 | NKJV).
Your Next Steps
If you have not yet obeyed the Gospel, I urge you to do so today. Don’t put it off—your eternal destiny is at stake. Find a Bible-believing church, study the Scriptures, and obey God’s Word.
I know this message may have raised more questions, especially about baptism and salvation. If you want to explore these topics further, check out our video series linked here.
God bless you, and I hope to see you in heaven!
