[Bible Comment/Question]
… Thank you so much for teaching the true truth of the Bible. I have been one of those people that was taught once saved always saved and I see now from your teachings that once saved always saved is straight from the pits of Hell! I thank God everyday for letting me come across your website! My question is could you please tell me how I can know without a shout of a doubt that I have Jesus living in me? I wonder if I have the Holy Ghost leading my life …. I have a huge hunger and thirst for God’s word everyday all day long. It seems I can’t get enough. If I did not have the Holy Ghost living in me would I have that same great desire to learn everything I can about Jesus if I was living in the carnal flesh? …. All your help would be greatly appreciated. Hope to hear back from you. God Bless
[Bible Answer] Greetings in Jesus’ name. We rejoice with you that your eyes have been opened up to the deadly snare of once saved always saved (eternal security). Though popular, eternal security is candy coated soul poison and, therefore, definitely NOT a Christian teaching.
Do Any Scriptures Affirm My Salvation
The best single Scriptural test to identify a true salvation conversion is being set free from sin addictions due to sincere repentance and faith in Jesus. After that many things occur and some fall away from salvation. To specifically answer your question — You can know you are saved NOW (have Jesus living in you) by comparing yourself, in your present state, to the following:
We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3,4)
Do Any Scriptures Condemn Me
Also ask yourself if there are any Scriptures which condemn you to hell — Scriptures like the following:
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9,10, NASB).
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. (Eph 5:5-7)
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars–their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” (Rev 21:8)
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (Mat 5:28,29)
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Mat 6:14,15)
One’s view of Scripture also reflects his heart, but these other aforementioned factors need to be considered as well. Such a Scriptural self-evaluation for salvation should be done by all who profess to know Jesus. Many who call Jesus Lord will perish in the end (Mt. 7:21)!
