Learn To Understand Salvation From The Inside Out

“I have waited for your salvation, O Lord.” (Genesis 49:18)

We frequently receive emails from readers seeking answers to spiritual dilemmas that life brings their way. Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question I get concerns the assuredness of salvation. Recently, a reader wrote:

“I love Jesus with everything in me. I have committed my life to him and truly believe. I just have a big problem really believing how Jesus could forgive me for messing up a lot; also accepting true assurance. I am searching for a closer walk with God, and I am quite confused how to change or let Him change me.”

This is an all-too-frequent question among new Christians. Did it really happen? How can I be sure? I remember asking these questions when I experienced salvation. As I lay on my bed one evening, I remember looking up at the ceiling of my bedroom, asking God if it were really true.

God gave me my answer within days, which is why I encourage new Christians to take this question personally to the one who saved them to begin with. I believe with all my heart that if we ask Him, God will send the confirmation we need to live in freedom and truth.

Keep in mind, I said “confirmation” and not a sign. Frankly, I don’t believe we should ask God for a sign. First of all, the Bible says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” (Matthew 12:39) Confirmation, however, is an altogether different thing. It’s personal and comes from the inside, from the Spirit of God that dwells in us once we ask Jesus to come live in our hearts.

Real confirmation comes directly from the Word of God. God has given us a written record to which we can refer in times to doubt. It is through that record that we can learn to trust him. For example, Romans 10:13 says, “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The Apostle Peter put it this way: “Though now you do not see him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:9) Maybe the issue isn’t whether or not the Lord saved us, but whether we can trust what His word says. One of the first things a new Christian must do is trust what he cannot see with his own eyes.

I recently read an analogy about the inward change that comes from salvation:
“Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside, and scoops out all the yucky stuff, including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.”
Don’t be afraid or confused by what you’re feeling inside. It is a sign of great things to come. Salvation always changes us on the inside first. And in due time, all that confusion will give way to the quiet confidence that the long distance call we made was answered in a powerful, life-changing way.