In today’s important discussion, we delve into a topic that touches the hearts of many believers: the common reasons why people doubt their salvation—why people struggle with the assurance of their salvation. This issue is not confined to new Christians; even those who have walked with the Lord for years can find themselves wrestling with doubts about their salvation. Our recent sessions have highlighted a surge in queries about this, underlining the widespread nature of these concerns.
To address this vital subject, why people doubt their salvation, let’s explore the Scriptures and examine five common reasons why believers may lack assurance in their salvation, with a focus on grounding our understanding in biblical truth.
1. Struggling with Old Lifestyle and Sins:
One major reason believers doubt their salvation is the ongoing struggle with old habits and sins. The apostle John, in 1 John 1:5-8, addresses this by reminding believers that walking in the light is key to fellowship with God. While Christians are not expected to live in perpetual sin, occasional lapses don’t necessarily mean a loss of salvation. John reassures us that confession and repentance lead to forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). Understanding this balance is crucial: while striving for holiness, we must also embrace God’s grace and forgiveness when we falter.
1 John 1:5-8 (ESV): 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Uncertainty About the Moment of Salvation:
Many believers can’t pinpoint a specific moment they received Christ, leading to doubts. Remember, salvation is not always tied to a single, memorable event. Some may have a distinct conversion experience, like Paul on the road to Damascus, while for others, it’s a gradual journey. What matters is the sincerity of your heart and your current faith in Christ, not the exact moment you first believed. The key is in Romans 10:9-10—if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you are saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): 9 Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
3. Questions About How They Received Christ:
Different methodologies in presenting the Gospel can lead to confusion, which leads people to doubt their salvation. Whether it was at a Billy Graham crusade, in a local church, or through a personal moment of reflection, the method of coming to Christ can vary widely. The crucial aspect is not how you came to Christ but that you came to Christ with sincerity and truth, as outlined in Romans 10:9-10.
4. Misunderstanding What It Means to Receive Christ:
Misinformation can lead to doubts about the authenticity of one’s salvation experience. Salvation is not just about following a set procedure; it’s about a heart transformation. The essence of receiving Christ involves acknowledging your sinfulness, believing in Christ’s sacrifice for your sins, and committing to follow Him. As stated in John 3:16, it’s about embracing the love of God that offers eternal life through Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 (ESV): 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
5. Lack of Understanding the Primacy of the Gospel:
Often, people doubt their salvation for reasons that arise from not fully understanding the core message of the Gospel. The Gospel is not just good advice; it’s the good news of God’s redemption plan through Jesus Christ. Understanding this fundamental truth can help solidify your assurance of salvation. As Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, the Gospel is of first importance – Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (ESV): 1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
Conclusion: Why People Doubt their Salvation
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that doubts about salvation are common and can be a part of your spiritual growth. The key is to keep seeking God, studying His Word, and growing in your faith. Your assurance of salvation comes from the truth of God’s Word and the witness of the Holy Spirit in your life, assuring you that you are indeed a child of God, as stated in Romans 8:16.
Romans 8:16 (ESV): 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
Let’s pray together for a deeper understanding and assurance of our salvation in Christ. We’ll continue to explore these themes of why people doubt their salvation in upcoming studies, but for now, let’s rest in the assurance that our salvation is secure in Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
In His Service,
Guardians of Biblical Truth
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