How can a person know that they are saved?

 

To answer this question, we must start by looking at a passage of Scripture from the book of John 16: 7-11.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper {The Holy Spirit} will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him {The Holy Spirit} to you. And when He {The Holy Spirit} has come, He {The Holy Spirit} will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they {The people of the world} do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgement, because the ruler {Satan, the evil one} of this world is judged. John 16:7-11.

We can see from this passage that the work of the Holy Spirit is three-fold, or has three elements to it. To convict the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement. Before a person repents and seeks forgiveness for their sins, something must happen. The weight of their unforgiven sin must weigh heavy upon their mind and their heart, they feel deeply guilty. That is the Holy Spirit doing the work that He the Holy Spirit was sent here to do, convicting that person of their need to have their sin forgiven. When a person asks or looks for a way to have their sin forgiven, then the Holy Spirit directs them toward God by using a believer to show them the way. Then that person prays to God, or asks God to forgive them their sins, that person is now seeking God's forgiveness for their sins. That is when that person is knocking on the door seeking entrance into Heaven and the presence of God. When a person responds to the convicting of the Holy Spirit, that is when we see the Scripture in Matthew 7:7-8, fulfilled right before our eyes.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8.

One of the ways that a person can know that they are saved is when they develop a strong distaste for sin or sinful things. For example, when you hear someone cursing and using foul language, or taking the Lord's name in vain, it is hurtful to your ears. When you can no longer listen to dirty jokes or crude remarks, you no longer find them funny because you know in your heart that they are displeasing to God, and because of that they are also displeasing to you. There are many more examples that could be given but these are sufficient for now. Another way to know that you are saved is when you desire to spend time with other believers, you develop a love for the company of other believers. In 1John 3:14. We read,

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 1John 3:14.

You can also know that you are saved because you know in your heart that you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. In 1John 5:13 we read,

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. 1John 5:13.

We can also know that we are saved when we stop worrying about things, such as money and other worldly things. When we bring all of our needs before God, we begin to realize that what we have today is all that we need for today, it is God's provision for us. What we need for tomorrow, God will also provide for tomorrow.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7.

These are all signs that a person can look at within themselves and know for certain that they are truly saved.