There are so many good people who are seriously concerned about their salvation. They worry if they are saved or not! Over the years I have received phone calls and questions from individuals who attended various denominations, went to their church and heard a hell-fire and damnation sermon, and were literally scared to death with the doubt it put in their minds.

Please notice two verses which the Apostle John wrote which should bring assurance and comfort to our minds concerning our Salvation. I John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” The usage of the phrase “we have passed” is exactly as stated; it is past tense. If you have a love of God’s children in your heart, it is evidence that you are already washed in the blood of the Lamb. The phrase “death unto life” is a reference to the new birth, calling, quickening; which only the Lord does.

Now notice also John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” To deal correctly with this verse, we must look at the phrase “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him...”, which of course, speaks of believing in Jesus Christ.

We must then ask this question; Who is it that CAN HEAR? The Bible answers it clearly in Romans 8:6-7, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” No individual can believe in God, desire salvation, or look beyond this vain world to heaven’s Paradise, unless they have already been born again which is a work of the Holy Spirit. Notice again John 5:24. The phrase “hath everlasting life” and “is passed from death unto life” are both past tense. A child of God who by faith believes in Christ, believes in His finished work on the cross of Calvary, and who have a hope of the grand Resurrection, are among those who have assurance of their Salvation. They understand that any righteousness they possess is because of the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Again, we go to the book of John, “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father” (John 6:65). The word “except” means that it is a strict condition which must first be met. No man can come unto Christ (believe on Him or desire salvation) unless he is first given the ability to love and desire God, which only comes in the New Birth. And, God is the only one who can give life, both naturally and spiritually.

We must remember that God is a God of order, and the order always starts FIRST with God.

“Think About It!”