Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
Over the years of my Christian faith, as a soul winner, and especially as a pastor, I've encountered questions about the sincerity of a person's salvation. People often speculate about the genuineness of the salvation experience of various groups, including:
- Children
- Those with simple minds
- Backsliders
- Those caught in sin
Baptists, in particular, face scrutiny over this issue because we believe in the doctrine of 'once saved, always saved'—that is, once a person is genuinely saved, they cannot lose their salvation, regardless of their actions in this life. My response to the challenges this doctrine presents is that not everyone who professes to be saved is truly saved. This then begs the question: Who has the authority to determine whether a person is genuinely saved?
As a result, we often find ourselves judging the salvation of others:
- Some claim they are saved.
- Others suggest they merely behave as if they are saved.
However, only the individual (and the Lord) truly knows whether he or she is genuinely saved.
The validation of genuine salvation does not rest solely on reciting a particular prayer, recalling the time and place of one's profession, or even observing a changed life post-profession. The ultimate confirmation of genuine salvation comes from the Holy Spirit.[1]
The Spirit of God does not communicate to my spirit whether another person is a child of God; rather, He communicates directly with that individual's spirit. While someone may deceive me or even themselves, no one is truly saved unless the Spirit of God confirms it to their spirit.
When it comes to your salvation, let others say what they will. What matters most is: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
#GenuineSalvation #HolySpiritWitness #TrueFaithConfirmed #SpiritualConfirmation #SavedByGrace
Genuine Salvation: Who Truly Knows?
[1] Romans 8:16 (KJV)
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
To my readers:
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