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Two Men "Know" They Are Saved

By Bill Hall

Two men ``know'' they are saved. The first man bases his assurance of salvation on his experience. He had been assured that when he completely turned his life over to Jesus Christ, accepted Him as personal Savior, and received Him into his heart, that an inner peace and feeling of well being would sweep his soul; that he would be able to recognize that feeling when it came; and that this peace and feeling of well being would be unmistakable evidence of his salvation. In keeping with that teaching he did ``receive Jesus into his heart.'' He did feel this wonderful peace sweep his soul. And he ``knows'' that he is saved.

The second man's assurance is based on the promise of God. He had read in God's word, ``He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved'' (Mark 16:16). From other passages he had learned the necessity of repentance and confession of faith
(Acts 2:38; 7:37; Rom. 10:10). Trusting God's promise of salvation, he obeyed from the heart those commands (Rom. 6:17), and has never doubted since that God forgave him of all his past sins, according to His promise.

The first man's assurance of salvation is based upon an unsure foundation. The Bible teaches neither the action he has taken nor the criterion he has accepted. We do not question his feelings; but we do question that such feelings are proof of salvation, for they are the product of his teaching. The cultist who has been taught certain gross practices in religion and has become the victim of his perverted leader will experience similar feelings. If the feelings of the latter are not sufficient proof of salvation, neither are the feelings of the former.

``But an angel appeared and spoke to me,'' someone may be thinking; or ``I spoke in tongues.'' The Bible teaches, however, that even unusual, inexplicable occurrences in one's life cannot set aside the teaching of God's revealed word. Many who will be in hell will have said, ``Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils [demons]? and in thy name done many wonderful works?''
(Matt. 7:22). But all their experiences, even ``miracles,'' will not substitute for their doing the Father's will as it is recorded in the scriptures (Matt. 7:21; see also Gal. 1:8; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Deut. 13:1-5; Col. 2:18, 19).

The second man has based his assurance on a solid foundation. God's promises are sure. He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). What He has promised He is able to perform (Romans 4:21). The person who obeys His commandments through truth in His promises can know, because God is faithful. ``And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments'' (1 John 2:3).

We ask our readers, ``Who really demonstrates strong faith in God: the one who simply trusts God's promises and finds assurance in His word or the one who must experience some overwhelming feeling that sweeps his soul?'' God's judgment will be based, not on what we ``know,'' but on His word. Be not deceived!