The Only Evidence of Salvation

When it comes to the issue of evidence of salvation, we must stay with what God’s Word tells us. People’s opinions in this matter are useless. 

God’s Word plainly tells us that the only true evidence of salvation is God-given faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as He is identified and distinguished in the glory of His Person (Who He is) and in the power and success of His finished work of redeeming His people from their sins and working righteousness for their justification before God (what He accomplished in His death, burial, and resurrection). 

The Gospel is the “power of God unto salvation TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH” (Romans 1:16).

“Christ is the end of the law for righteousness TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH” (Romans 10:4).

This is belief of the truth, not a lie (see II Thessalonians 2:13-14). This is the gift of God given to His people and the fruit of Christ’s obedience unto death as their Surety, Substitute, and Redeemer (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

This is the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth when He imparts spiritual life to God’s people and convinces them of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and brings them to receive Christ by faith (John 16:8-11; 1:12-13). 

Whether or not our faith in Christ is genuine rather than false can only be determined by the gifts and graces of the Spirit that accompany true God-given faith in Christ. 

These would be such things as repentance of dead works and idolatry, love for the brethren and for the Word of God, perseverance in the faith and in the warfare between the Spirit and the flesh as we strive to obey God’s Word as motivated by grace, love, and gratitude. 

All self-examination as to whether or not I am “in the faith” must begin with a serious and Scriptural examination of the doctrine I profess. Is my doctrine according to God’s Word of grace in and by the Lord Jesus Christ, or is it the fabrications of self-righteous religionists? 

The Word of God is clear on this matter (see Romans 6 vs.17-18,) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

And we read in II John vs. 9, Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

-preacher Bill Parker of Eager Avenue Grace church located in Albany, Georgia USA
 
Sermon Audio link:  https://www.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/reignofgrace/

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