Assurance of salvation

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 ESV

The transformation that believers go through and the assurance of salvation should prompt them not to lose heart. Instead, they have to look forward to the time when they will receive the realization of God’s promise of eternal life. Christians are destined to receive the promised salvation and not to experience God’s wrath (see 1 Thessalonians 5:9). Christians will enjoy forever God’s grace and mercy. As Paul emphasized from our text that we “obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 9 ESV). Salvation is a gift from God obtained only through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not obtained by our own efforts believing that if we have done enough good works, we can be saved. We cannot rely on our own good deeds. “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Salvation is a gift from God only because of His grace. “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Since salvation is dependent upon God and His working within us, we can now be assured that we will be safe in the hands of God. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ promised; “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me” (John 10:28). Paul also provided us encouragement that even when we go through trials and difficulties in life “nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Though battles will continue to rage and difficulties become insurmountable, we do not give up and not lose heart for God is faithful. So, let us not grow weary serving God.

Blessings,