How can you know that you are saved? Can you be assured that you will go to heaven when you die? How do you determine your salvation? These are great and very important questions.
He who believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18
Salvation is So Simple
Salvation is so simple, so uncomplicated that many miss it, thinking, “It can’t be that easy!” It’s not only simple but also effortless. We have nothing to bring to the table. The hymn writer follows the Bible’s teaching by stating, “Just as I am without one plea.”
Can You Earn Your Way to Heaven?
The Jews asked Jesus what they could do to earn their way to heaven.
“They asked Him, “What shall we do that we may work the works of God (John 6:28)?”
Like most people, they thought there must be something tangible they could do. But there’s not.
“Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent (John 6:29).”
Believe in Jesus and You Will be Saved
Jesus spoke His answer using irony. Believing is the opposite of doing something. When you believe in Jesus, you simply receive what He did on your behalf. He did all the “work” to achieve eternal redemption.
OBJECTOR:
How can that be? Everyone knows that only good people go to heaven, and everyone knows that bad people don’t. End of story! There must be something honorable, or if not just one work, maybe a lifetime of noble works is needed. At least good works that outweigh someone’s evil. Someone whose virtue tips the scales in their favor.
Good Works Bad
After all, no one is perfect. Going to heaven can’t demand perfection, can it? If it did, heaven would be empty, wouldn’t it?
ANSWER: Yes, it would be empty. If you think you can do something, what would it be?
OBJECTOR: Ok, suppose we can’t do anything to earn our way to heaven. Would that mean that someone like Ted Bundy could make it to heaven and someone who’s lived a good life, been a good spouse, and cared for the needy might not qualify?
ANSWER: Yes, that’s what it would mean. And that may be what happened with Ted Bundy. If his testimony was honest, he became a Christian shortly before he was executed, and he will be in heaven.
OBJECTOR: But how is that possible? How can that be just and proper? Evil and murder defined Bundy’s life; how can all that evil be dismissed? And if someone does good and lives morally, even with minor slips, how can that be ignored?
BIBLE ANSWER: “But to him who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness (Romans 4:5).”
OBJECTOR: But doesn’t a person have to intend to live a good life? To deserve heaven in some way?
ANSWER: What way are you suggesting?
OBJECTOR: Maybe, for example, to turn from their sinful life and make retribution, where possible, for sins they’ve committed? Or at least have the good intention to stop sinning and do better?
ANSWER: Those are all good things to do. But God saves us just as we are. We don’t have to clean up our lives to come to him for salvation. He works with us to do better after we believe in Jesus:
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).”
Jesus Offers His Salvation Free of Cost
We take glory away from Jesus when we tell unbelievers that they must do something or even intend to do better before God saves them. Jesus achieved eternal redemption, and He saves us as we are. He offers His salvation free of cost.
Remember, we judge ourselves. We determine our own salvation. It’s worth repeating the opening verse:
He who believes in Him (Jesus) is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18
How do You Determine Your Salvation?
We invite you to watch the Great News Video on this page for more about God’s free gift of salvation. You can pray a prayer of salvation and forgiveness today. Connect with us and we will help you on your journey. You can read more about this subject here.
