Romans 8:16, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
How can we truly know we’re saved? Is it even possible to know for certain that we’re children of God? Absolutely! Three things stand out to me:
1. The Witness of the Word
2. The Outer witness
3. The Inner witness
The Witness of the Word (the Bible) is an understanding of the Gospel as given in Scripture. We read in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” John in his epistle elaborates on this in 1 John 5:13, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” We can know we have eternal life…by believing the Gospel centered on Jesus Christ.
Secondly, there’s also the Outer Witness which is a changed life. Jesus said you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20). As C.H. Spurgeon said, “A faith that does not change my behavior, will never change my destiny.”
Thirdly, there’s the Inner Witness. When a person is born again and becomes a child of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3) the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 6:16). As we read in our passage for today, the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness from within. The witness of the Holy Spirit is powerful because He’s so close and personal. His witness may include communication and even feelings but it’s deeper than that, it’s fellowship. I know I’m a child of God because He lives within me.
Do you have that peace knowing you’re a child of God? Praise God if you do! If not, I would encourage you to draw near and search your heart. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” I would encourage you to talk to God, go to church, and maybe even speak with a pastor. We’re here for you. Our heart is that you would be saved and that you would be sure.
Your brother in Christ,
-Manny
