Every believer has doubts about his salvation at some point. The idea of 'eternal security' is difficult to grasp as we stumble along in life. There are several reasons why you might question whether your relationship with God is real. Some are valid; some are not.
First, it is important to remember ... 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
1. The most obvious reason some question their salvation is that they are not truly saved. Their false sense of security is easily shaken by the troubles that come, or when they encounter the surrendered life of a genuine believer. Self-examination (using God's Word as the standard) must be exercised ...
Test and evaluate yourselves to see whether you are in the faith and living your lives as committed believers. Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you - unless indeed you fail the test and are rejected as counterfeit? 2 Corinthians 13:5
2. Some question their salvation because they see it as too 'incredible' an offer. The concept of 'grace' is difficult to understand and they have a hard time accepting a gift they know is undeserved. A full pardon from a holy God seems wrong, but at the foot of the cross lies the truth ...
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
3. Another reason some question their salvation is because of the inner voices that constantly say 'What about this?'. People with contemplative natures are more prone to doubt their relationship with God because their thoughts are overwhelming and they don’t know how to sort them out. We are commanded to police our minds ...
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
4. Misinterpreting Scripture can cause us to doubt our salvation. When we run across a verse that seems to contradict our personal understanding of God's grace, thoughts that our faith falls short rise to the surface. If a verse causes undue fear, keep studying and see what the Bible says as a whole. Remember that Jesus is the foundation upon which all truth is built, keep looking to Him ...
I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
5. Besetting sin can cause us to question our salvation. When shameful behaviors reassert themselves or refuse to leave, some can doubt whether they were ever saved at all. But the Holy Spirit lives in true believers and is greater than the sin that tempts us. It is His power that makes us 'more than conquerors' through the process of sanctification. The Lord encourages us to ...
Lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
6. 'Dry seasons' may also cause us to question our salvation. There are times when our ability to perceive the presence of God escapes us. Those periods can actually help Christians dig deeper, obey anyway, and persevere.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Unsettledness concerning your salvation can be alleviated when you take God at His Word. If your faith is in Jesus Christ's victory over sin and you've claimed the Gospel message for your own ... you belong to Him.
Nothing can pluck you out of His hands ... nothing.
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