Salvation: Four Responses—Know Where You’re At

Salvation is the most important question each of us may ever grapple with. The Bible teaches either eternal life or eternal judgement awaits us, and what we believe about our standing with God truly has profound consequences. The apostle Paul exhorted people: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Join us as we explore four ways people respond to the question of salvation—four common spiritual states we may find ourselves in on the question…

1. The Unrepentant: Those Who’re Not Saved and Know It

Some of us—and we were all there at some point—are aware we haven’t accepted the gift of salvation, but are simply unconcerned about it. We live in defiance of God, knowing we’re far from Him, but feel no remorse. We reject His authority and have no interest in repentance or salvation. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). We feel no sorrow over it, no desire for God, and what’s worse, may even take pride in our rebellion.

The Bible speaks clearly about our condition: (1 Corinthians 2:14). We may actively reject the gospel or simply be indifferent to spiritual matters. Like the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus (Mark 10:17-22), we choose worldly pursuits over eternal salvation.

However, the Bible warns us this path leads to destruction: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The absence of sorrow over sin is a dangerous indicator of a hardened heart. Pharaoh, for example, repeatedly refused to humble himself before God, even as the plagues struck Egypt (Exodus 7-11). His heart was hardened, and he faced devastating consequences.

But even for the defiant, hope remains. The gospel offers salvation to all who turn from sin: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). None of us is beyond God’s grace if we will humble ourselves and seek His mercy.

2. The Self-Deceived: Those Who’re Not Saved But Insist They Are

Perhaps the most perilous state is that of false assurance. Jesus warned about this in the Sermon on the Mount: (Matthew 7:21). Some among us may base our assurance on good works, religious observances, or a superficial profession of faith.

This self-deception often stems from placing our trust in outward works—going to church, praying, or leading a moral life—without true faith and repentance. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time were outwardly religious, but inwardly far from God (Matthew 23:27-28).

What’s the solution? True salvation results in a transformed heart and life (2 Corinthians 5:17). True saving faith goes beyond surface-level belief. It involves a heart transformed by God’s grace, a repentance that bears fruit, and a life aligned with Christ’s teachings. Assurance comes from knowing Christ personally, not just knowing about Him, and fully obeying Him.

3. The Uncertain: Those Who’re Saved But Aren’t Sure

Genuine believers, too, struggle with doubts about their salvation. The author of Hebrews addresses this group, encouraging them to “have full assurance of hope until the end” (Hebrews 6:11).

Such believers among us may be like Peter, who momentarily took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink (Matthew 14:30-31). We may struggle with past sins, current temptations, a lack of spiritual growth, or even of a deep emotional experience. Yet, salvation is not about the intensity of our feelings but the certainty of God’s promises. Our very concern about our spiritual state may often indicate a genuine faith.

Romans 8 offers deep comfort for us who struggle with assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). If we have trusted in Christ, we are secure in Him, even if our heart wavers. John also encourages believers, saying, “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him” (1 John 3:19).

Remember, it’s not the strength of our faith that saves us, but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. He is “able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25). Our assurance is grounded in His finished work, not on our fluctuating emotions. If we struggle with doubt, let‘s look to Christ, not to ourselves.

4. The Assured: Those Who’re Saved and Know It

For some, the assurance of salvation is a present and living reality. We know we’re saved, not because of anything we’ve done, but because we’ve trusted in God’s promises. This assurance is not arrogance but a humble confidence in the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross.

Paul exemplified this confidence when he wrote, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:12). Similarly, John writes, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

Such assurance fuels a life of obedience and joy. We who know we’re saved aren’t complacent; we seek to live in a way that pleases God, walking in the Spirit and bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We see evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives. Our assurance isn’t rooted in pride but in the security of God’s unchanging promises. Like Paul, we can say with confidence, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Salvation: Four Responses—Where Do You Stand? 

If we find ourselves in one of the first three categories, there is hope and an open invitation to trust in Christ, repent, and find peace in His promises. Regardless of where we find ourselves on this spectrum, we shall do well to remember salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace. We’re saved “by grace… through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

If we lack assurance, let’s seek it through prayer, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers. If we have assurance, may we thank God for this gift and use it as motivation to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

May we all strive to reach the point where we can say with the psalmist, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7). For those among us who know we’re saved, let’s continue to rest in Christ, live for His glory, and share the hope of salvation with those who’re still searching. The beauty of the gospel is that it offers security—not based on our merit, but on the finished work of Jesus. Friend, we pray you may, like us, come to be truly secure in Him.

 

Salvation: Four Responses—Related FAQs

Can someone lose their salvation if they fall into doubt or sin? No, true salvation cannot be lost. Those whom God has chosen and called will persevere to the end, even through periods of doubt or struggle with sin. This doesn’t mean believers won’t face challenges, but rather that God’s grace is sufficient to keep them. As Jesus said in John 10:28-29, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

How can I know I’m truly saved? Can I be just deceiving myself? True salvation results in a changed life and heart. Look for evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, such as a growing love for God and others, a desire to obey God’s commands, and ongoing repentance from sin. Remember, salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, but genuine faith will produce good fruit. The book of 1 John provides several tests of authentic faith that can help you examine yourself.  

If God chooses who will be saved, why should I evangelise or worry about my unsaved friends? We evangelise because God commands us to and because it’s the means He uses to bring people to salvation. While God sovereignly chooses, He also ordains the means by which His elect come to faith, which includes hearing the gospel (Romans 10:14-15). Our evangelism is actually evidence of God’s work, both in us and potentially in those we’re reaching. We should be concerned for the unsaved because we don’t know who God’s elect are, and our love for others should compel us to share the good news.

Is it normal for Christians to sometimes doubt their salvation? Yes, many sincere believers experience doubts at times. Even great men of faith in the Bible, like David and Elijah, had moments of spiritual struggle. Doubts can actually be a sign of genuine faith, as those who are indifferent to their spiritual state rarely worry about it. However, God desires for His children to have assurance, which is why Scripture encourages us to “make our calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). If you’re struggling with doubts, seek God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

How can I know for sure that I’m truly saved? We can have assurance by trusting in God’s promises, rather than in our own works. Those who truly belong to Christ will see the evidence of the Holy Spirit working in their lives—producing fruit like love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). A heart of faith, repentance, and obedience to Christ points to genuine salvation, and God’s Word assures us of eternal life in Him (1 John 5:13).

What should I do if I know I’m not saved? If we recognise your unsaved condition, the Bible calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life to all who turn to Him in faith (Mark 1:15). While the consequences of sin are severe, God’s grace is greater, and today is the day to respond to His offer of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

If someone is in the “unrepentant” category, is there any hope for them? Absolutely! While we can’t know God’s sovereign plan, we do know He “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Many who were once hardened against the gospel have been dramatically converted by God’s grace. The apostle Paul, who violently persecuted Christians, is a prime example. As long as someone is alive, there’s hope God may grant them repentance and faith. Our role is to pray for them and faithfully share the gospel, trusting God for the results.

 

Salvation: Four Responses—Our Related Posts

• Assurance of Salvation: Can I Really Know I’m Saved?
• Can True Believers Lose Salvation? What Does Hebrews 6 Teach?
• The Ordo Salutis: What are the Seven Steps in Our Salvation?