The writer of the book of Hebrews exhorts Christians, by saying: "let us draw near [to God] with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22 ESV). This “full assurance” is not just a feeling but a confident reality that enables believers to approach God boldly. If God calls us to draw near, He also provides the means for that assurance. But, how can a Christian know they are truly saved?
The Witness of the Holy Spirit
The Apostle Paul explains that “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16 ESV). This internal testimony is not based on fleeting emotions or subjective feelings. Instead, it reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.
In Romans 8, Paul is explaining how the Holy Spirit plays a central role in sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ. He writes that those who are “in Christ Jesus” “walk . . . according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1,4), emphasising how it is the Spirit who enables believers to live out their faith. He does so by planting new desires in our hearts and empowering us to act on them, producing His fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV).
It is important to note the distinction between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. While unbelievers might exhibit some positive traits, the holistic manifestation of the Spirit’s fruit in a believer’s life is unique evidence of salvation. These qualities are not the result of human effort (works), but, the simple outworking (fruit) of the Spirit's indwelling presence.
The Indwelling Presence of the Spirit
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a profound blessing for Christians. Paul reminds the Galatians, “because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’” (Galatians 4:6). It is because a person is a Christian that they have the Holy Spirit; a true blessing for every believer (Romans 8:9-17) .
Paul further describes the Holy Spirit as a "guarantee" of our inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:22). Just as a down payment on a property assures the seller of the buyer's commitment, the Holy Spirit assures believers that God, our Redeemer, will complete the work He has begun in the Christian (Philippians 1:6). This guarantee is a source of profound assurance, reminding us that our salvation is secure and our destiny in heaven is certain.
The Spirit’s role is multifaceted. He teaches us spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), enables us to understand Scripture (John 16:13), and gives us the strength to obey God’s commands (Ephesians 3:16). Without the Holy Spirit, living the Christian life would be impossible. His presence in our lives is sure evidence of our salvation, but is also the means of growing in Christlikeness.
Obedience as Evidence of Salvation
The Apostle John also addresses assurance in his first epistle, stating, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3 ESV). John makes a clear distinction: those who know God will strive to obey His commands, while those who claim to know Him, but live in disobedience, are deceived (1 John 2:4-5).
This is not a gospel of works. Rather, it reflects the teaching of James: “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Genuine faith naturally produces a life of obedience. While every Christian struggles with sin and experiences moments of failure, the overall trajectory of a believer’s life must be one of growing conformity to the Lord Jesus and His Word. The very fact that we feel conviction over sin, and a desire to repent, is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within us.
Grounding Assurance in Scripture
Assurance of salvation is rooted not in our emotions or memories of a past decision but in the ongoing transformation of our lives. This transformation is marked by conformity to God’s will, seen in how we think and act. Yet, assurance is not solely about our actions, it also involves understanding and embracing the promises of Scripture: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28 ESV). These verses offer profound assurance. The Lord Jesus promises that those who belong to Him are secure in His care, protected by the Father’s sovereign power, and have a desire to follow Him.
Conclusion
The assurance of salvation is a gift from God, grounded in the testimony of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of a transformed life, and the unshakable promises of Scripture. As believers, we can take confidence in these truths, knowing that our salvation is secure not because of our efforts but because of God’s faithfulness.
When doubts arise, we are invited to “draw near [to God] with a true heart” (Hebrews 10:22), fully assured of His love and grace. By living in step with the Spirit and holding fast to God’s Word, we can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing we are truly His.
