Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 7/19/2010

Question
How does one know for sure that they are saved and are now a child of God? I believe I have been born again, but lately I've been bombarded by doubts. I'm not doubting God, His promises, and His ability to save, but myself, my faith, and knowledge. One thought that keeps running through my head is that I just have mental, intellectual assent to who Jesus is and what He did on the cross for me, but that it is not actual saving faith. I'm really confused. I want nothing more than to be a born again child of God.

Answer
Hi Amanda,

Thank you for your question.  It sounds like you know that your only hope is that Jesus died on the cross in your place.  If you believe that and realize that your efforts will not do it, then your faith has accessed God's grace, saving you.  I have a couple things for you to consider, first the reason some get attacked with doubt, then the theology behind saving faith that will help you understand what is going on.

Doubts happen when we drift from God's will grieving the Holy Spirit.  When we have a healthy relationship with the Holy Spirit, He assures us of our salvation, if we do not, He grows silent,but does not EVER leave.

Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge# 1769.

Even when our hearts doubt, God does not base our salvation on our hearts, but on Christ's work on the cross.  If our hearts doubt, God is bigger than that.

1 John 3:18-21
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  
20 For if our heart condemn us,  God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
The King James Version, #Cambridge: Cambridge# 1769.

Now let us consider what happens when you believe.  Upon your faith, you access the Grace of God, giving you salvation.

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The King James Version, #Cambridge: Cambridge# 1769.

Grace is Gods Riches at Christ's Expense.  What riches do you access when you get saved?  Yes, we have the promise of Heaven, but what riches do you have now?  Let us find out together:

Romans 3:21-22
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
The King James Version, #Cambridge: Cambridge# 1769.

What is unto all and upon all that believe?  Look at verse 22 the righteousness of God is given to all that believe.  You do not stand in your efforts, you are now given God's righteousness, just like Jesus took your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The King James Version, #Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Look at verse 22 again, you have also been given THE FAITH OF JESUS!  All you need is a tiny mustard seed faith and then you access God's grace that gives you His righteousness and replaces your faltering faith with the faith of Jesus!  You don't stand today in your wavering faith, God sees the faith of Jesus when He looks at you.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don