RPG Adults
SURE OF SALVATION
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 23
Mark 4:21-25
2 Timothy 1:12
“He that hath ears to hear,
let him hear.”
SURE OF SALVATION
There are those who think they are saved but are not. If that is the case, how can we know for sure if we are saved? We are able to know in these ways:
First, we know we are saved when we live a Christlike life (Mark 4:21,22). If there is the gospel or salvation light within us, we will surely shine out—the light will be seen. “Ye are the light of the world…. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:14,16). Good works do not save, but they reveal salvation, whether we are saved or not, for as James said, “that faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). That is why we are told to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Phil 2:12,13). “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt 7:20). Do we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22,23)? The real test comes when bad things happen to us; will we continue to believe in Jesus? Will we praise Him or curse Him? Job had true faith for sure because he praised God despite the trials and temptations he had to go through: “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). Read also Job 13:15.
Second, we know we are saved if we are able to appreciate the truth of God’s Word (Mark 4:23-25). We will have spiritually sensitive ears to hear and understand God’s Word. “[T]he things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (1 Cor 2:11,12). If we are able to do this, it must mean that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within us, helping us to understand and apply God’s Word in our lives. Do you see yourself growing in the faith, knowing God and His Word more and more, not only drinking the milk but also eating the meat of God’s Word? That was what Jesus meant when He said “and unto you that hear shall more be given” (Mark 4:24)—you will have more and more of the Word when you are able to partake of it profitably.
THOUGHT: Am I able to discern truth from error, good from evil?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to bear a good witness and testimony for Thee.