How can I be sure that I am saved?

Luke 23:39–43 NIV

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

: 39-43

Seven Essential truths you need to know.

1. You need to know that one day when you die, you will face God. No escape!

Hebrews 9:27 GNB

27 Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God.

2. You need to know that you must admit that you have sinned against God.

Romans 3:23 NIV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

1 John 1:9 NIV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 6:23 NIV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

3. You need to know that Jesus is more than a man: Sinless and Son of God.

Luke 23:41b NIV

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Eccl

Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV

20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

4. You need to know that only God’s grace can save you. Nothing else.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NIV

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

: 8-9

Luke 23:42a ESV

42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Luke

5. You need to know that Jesus is the only One who can save you. No one else.

Acts 4:12 ESV

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Luke 23:42 NIV

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Acts 4:12 NIV

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

John

Acts

Acts 12:4 ESV

4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

Acts 16:31b NIV

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

John 15:6 ESV

6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

6. You need to trust what Jesus says.

Luke 23:43 NLT

43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

7. And what did Jesus have to say about salvation? Four things:

(A) Immediate: “Today”

(B) Certain: “you will”

(c) A Relationship: “be with me”

(d) Forever and ever: “in Paradise”

When should I be saved?

Now! Today!

2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV

2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Romans 10:13 NIV

13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”