Testing Our Faith: Assurance in Christ's Salvation
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound question, "Am I really saved?" This inquiry, which has echoed through the ages, challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. We began by acknowledging the common doubts that arise when our sins and failures weigh heavily on our hearts. These doubts are not new; they have been pondered by theologians like John Owen, who sought to provide assurance through the Gospel Evidences of Saving Faith.
Our journey through 2 Corinthians 13:5 encouraged us to test ourselves, not as a form of self-torture, but as a pathway to peace. We often seek assurance in the wrong places—our emotions, spiritual performance, or comparisons with others. Instead, we are called to focus on Christ, the object of our faith, who is the true source of our salvation.
The first test we considered was the "Glory Test." Are we struck by the genius of God's plan of salvation? The cross of Christ is where justice and mercy meet, revealing God's glory in a way that should leave us in awe. If we can see the glory of God in the face of Jesus, it is a testament to our faith.
Next, we examined the "Heart Test." How personal is God's love to us? It's one thing to know that God loves the world, but do we truly grasp that He loves us individually? This personal understanding transforms our relationship with God, moving Him from a distant judge to a loving Father.
Finally, we faced the "Trust Test." Have we let go of our spiritual backup plans? True faith in Christ means abandoning all other safety nets and trusting Him completely. Our peace and confidence should rest in His faithfulness, not in our performance or feelings.
As we continue this series, let us hold fast to the assurance that comes from knowing Christ. May we be captivated by the beauty of His salvation, experience His love personally, and find rest in His finished work.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Glory of Salvation: The cross is where God's justice and mercy meet, revealing His glory. If we can see this glory in the face of Jesus, it is a testament to our faith. This understanding should leave us in awe and transform our worship. [50:46]
2. Personal Experience of God's Love: Knowing that God loves the world is different from experiencing His love personally. When we truly grasp that God loves us individually, it transforms our relationship with Him, moving Him from a distant judge to a loving Father. [58:07]
3. Trusting Christ Alone: True faith means abandoning all spiritual backup plans and trusting Christ completely. Our peace and confidence should rest in His faithfulness, not in our performance or feelings. [01:10:04]
4. The Assurance of Salvation: The question "Am I really saved?" is not meant to torture us but to lead us to peace. By focusing on Christ, the object of our faith, we find assurance in His finished work and His promise of salvation. [01:20:16]
5. The Beauty of God's Plan: When we behold the beauty of God's salvation plan, our faith grows. This transformation happens not through more effort but through surrender and adoration of Christ. [01:15:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:52] - Community Announcements
[18:31] - Opening Prayer
[24:08] - Intercessory Prayer
[32:16] - Introduction to the Series
[35:49] - Assurance in Christ
[39:03] - The Glory Test
[50:46] - The Heart Test
[58:07] - Personal Experience of God's Love
[01:10:04] - The Trust Test
[01:20:16] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:27:35] - Church Membership Introduction
[01:13:38] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 13:5
- 2 Corinthians 4:6
- Galatians 2:20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 2 Corinthians 13:5 encourage believers to do, and why is this important for their faith journey? [35:49]
2. How does the sermon describe the "Glory Test," and what is its significance in understanding one's faith? [39:03]
3. According to the sermon, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers understand God's love personally? [58:07]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to explain the concept of having no spiritual backup plans, and how does it relate to trusting Christ alone? [01:07:53]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of seeing God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6) challenge or affirm one's understanding of salvation? [47:13]
2. In what ways does Galatians 2:20 illustrate the personal nature of God's love, and how might this impact a believer's relationship with God? [56:42]
3. The sermon mentions that true faith involves abandoning all spiritual backup plans. What might these backup plans look like in a believer's life, and why is it important to let them go? [01:10:04]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers can move from a mindset of achievement to one of acceptance in their Christian walk? [01:10:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the "Glory Test" from the sermon. When was the last time you were truly in awe of God's plan of salvation? How can you cultivate a sense of wonder in your daily worship? [50:46]
2. Consider the "Heart Test." How personal is God's love to you? Can you recall a moment when you felt God's love in a tangible way? How can you seek to deepen this personal understanding of His love? [58:07]
3. The sermon challenges us to trust Christ alone. Are there any "spiritual backup plans" you are holding onto? What steps can you take to fully rely on Christ for your peace and confidence? [01:10:04]
4. How does the assurance of salvation, as discussed in the sermon, bring peace to your life? Are there areas where you still struggle with doubt? What practical steps can you take to focus more on Christ's finished work? [01:20:16]
5. The sermon emphasizes the beauty of God's salvation plan. How can you incorporate moments of adoration and surrender into your daily routine to grow in your faith? [01:15:50]
6. Reflect on the analogy of letting go of the edge when learning to swim. What are some areas in your life where you need to let go and trust God more fully? [01:07:53]
7. How can you apply the message of moving from achievement to acceptance in your spiritual life? What changes can you make to ensure your actions are motivated by gratitude rather than obligation? [01:10:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as the Intersection of Justice and Mercy
The cross of Christ is the profound meeting point of God's justice and mercy, revealing His glory in a way that should leave us in awe. This understanding is not just theological but transformative, inviting us to worship with a deeper sense of reverence and gratitude. When we truly see the glory of God in the face of Jesus, it becomes a testament to our faith, reshaping how we perceive salvation. The cross is not merely a historical event but a living reality that calls us to marvel at the genius of God's salvation plan. [50:46]
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does the understanding of the cross as the intersection of justice and mercy change the way you approach worship today? Can you identify a specific area in your life where this understanding can deepen your faith?
Day 2: Experiencing God's Love Personally
Knowing that God loves the world is a foundational truth, but experiencing His love personally is transformative. This personal understanding of God's love moves Him from being a distant judge to a loving Father, reshaping our relationship with Him. When we grasp that God loves us individually, it changes how we live, pray, and interact with others. This personal experience of God's love is not just an emotional feeling but a profound realization that impacts every aspect of our lives. [58:07]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt God's love personally. How did it change your perception of Him? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His love in your daily life?
Day 3: Trusting Christ Without Backup Plans
True faith in Christ means letting go of all spiritual backup plans and trusting Him completely. This trust is not based on our performance or feelings but on His faithfulness. When we abandon our safety nets and rely solely on Christ, we find peace and confidence in His promises. This trust is a daily decision, requiring us to surrender our fears and doubts to Him, knowing that He is sufficient for all our needs. [01:10:04]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are relying on a backup plan instead of trusting Christ fully. What steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him?
Day 4: Assurance in Christ's Finished Work
The question "Am I really saved?" is not meant to cause anxiety but to lead us to peace. By focusing on Christ, the object of our faith, we find assurance in His finished work and His promise of salvation. This assurance is not based on our emotions or spiritual performance but on the unchanging truth of who Christ is and what He has done for us. As we rest in His finished work, we experience a profound peace that transcends our doubts and fears. [01:20:16]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does focusing on Christ's finished work provide assurance in your life? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this assurance daily?
Day 5: Beholding the Beauty of God's Salvation Plan
When we behold the beauty of God's salvation plan, our faith grows not through more effort but through surrender and adoration of Christ. This transformation happens as we are captivated by the beauty of His salvation, leading us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of His grace. As we surrender to His plan, we find ourselves drawn into a closer relationship with Him, experiencing the fullness of His love and mercy. [01:15:50]
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally behold the beauty of God's salvation plan today? How can this practice transform your faith and relationship with Christ?
Quotes
"Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night wrestling with the question am I really saved when our failures and our sins feel particularly heavy on our hearts I'm talking about the harsh words that you've spoken to your sweet spouse the compromise that you made at work the prayer life that feels increasingly hollow that's when doubt can begin to creep into our hearts and if you've ever had that thought am I really saved saints know this you're in good company this isn't just some modern crisis it's a deeply Christian question that is echoed through millennia of faith and it's a deeply Christian question that is echoed through millennia of faith and it's a deeply Christian question that is echoed through millennia of faith and it's a deeply church history." [00:32:16]
"This sermon series is not meant to torture you. It's actually a pathway to peace. This examination isn't meant to trap us in an endless cycle of introspection, but to lead us toward clarity and confidence in Christ. Here's where you and I often need correction, and I've sensed this in my own pastoral counseling while I've been pastor here at Mount Carmel." [00:35:49]
"Christians often look for assurance of their salvation in the wrong places. Listen to me. Christians often look for assurance in the wrong places. They search their emotions, their spiritual performance, or the worst thing you can do is compare yourself with others. And what Paul is going to do, and then Owen will direct us as well, is look primarily to the Lord Jesus Christ." [00:36:39]
"Our security is not found in the strength of our faith. Our security is not found in the strength of our faith, but in the object of our faith, and who is actually doing the saving. And so I want to answer the question over the next four weeks. So I need you to hold in. Come be here every Sunday. This is not some trick for attendance. I'm saying this will do your soul good to hear John Owens' four evidences based on this text." [00:36:54]
"Are you struck by the genius of God in the plan of salvation? This is going to be good. Are you struck by the genius of God in the plan of salvation? Imagine with me. You are standing before a perfect mirror. A perfect mirror. You see all of your physical mess and even your spiritual mess. One that shows you not just your physical appearance, but every thought, every motivation, every desire that you've ever had." [00:39:03]
"How long could you stand to look at yourself? Each moment of irritation, subtle pride, and quick judgment reveals a heart that naturally curves itself inward and not upward toward God's glory. Listen to what the prophet Isaiah says about the human condition. Isaiah 59 2 says, but your iniquities, your sins are separating you from your God. And notice the result." [00:40:17]
"At the cross, justice and mercy don't just meet. They embrace. They kiss at the cross. Now here's why that... That matters. Okay? You may have never thought about this. Look in your notes to 2 Corinthians 4 .6. This is one of the chief texts that John Owen turns to to explain what I just described to you. Look at what Paul says. You've got to look at it. It's your test, not mine." [00:47:45]
"How personal is God's love to you? Many of us would say that we believe God loves us. We've sung about it since childhood. We've read about it in the scriptures. We might even have John 3 .16 memorized. For God so loved the world. I mean you ask almost even an unbelieving man, right? Unbelieving man. Does God's God love the world? What would he say? Sure. God loves the world. He made it. He asked it." [00:58:07]
"Something revolutionary happened when we truly glimpsed how God made justice and mercy meet in Jesus. Think about discovering. And I've had this happen in my life. I hope this resonates with you. Have you ever found out through the grape vine how someone went to extraordinary lengths to help you and they never took credit for it? You just found out like They paid for that meal, right?" [01:00:00]
"If God's light has really shone in our hearts, and we sense that God has left His throne to bleed and die on Calvary for me, saints, your hearts but can't help but naturally warm to the love of God. In fact, look at what it says in Micah. Micah 7 .18. This is not a theological treaty. This is a statement of amazement. Look at what he says. Who is a God like you?" [01:01:02]
"Have you let go of your spiritual backup plans? We keep some safety nets tucked away in case this whole Jesus thing doesn't work out. All right? Maybe it's a moral record. You go, well, I'm a good person. That's honestly how I can tell Christians from non -Christians real quick. You ask a real Christian, are you a good person? They'll go, no. They'll tell you." [01:10:04]
"True spiritual rest doesn't come from having these multiple backup plans. It comes when you abandon them altogether. The gospel is a knot. Please, saints. And this is where we've messed up. I feel like we've insinuated this in our preaching over the past 50 years. We're not asking you to add Jesus to your spiritual safety net. We want you to cut every other net down." [01:12:40]
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