How Do I Know I’m Saved?

by Rick Warren — March 2, 2021
From The Seven Greatest Words of Love

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

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

In Luke 23:42, one of the criminals hanging next to Jesus on the cross prayed, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (NIV).

By that time, Jesus was famous for doing miracles. But notice the man didn’t ask Jesus to stop his pain, although he would have been in excruciating pain. He didn’t ask Jesus to save him from death either.

He said, “Jesus, remember me.” Why? Because he knew his deepest need was salvation from sin and a home in heaven. And he believed Jesus could provide it.

The Bible says in Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (NIV).

So how do you know for sure that you’re saved from sin? How do you know you’re going to heaven when you die? How can you be certain? How can you eliminate your doubt?

Your assurance of salvation doesn’t come from what you do, because you can’t earn your salvation. It’s not from your feelings, because feelings come and go.

So what can make you sure of your salvation? The promise of God’s Word. If God says it, that settles it, because God cannot lie. You can trust the promise of God’s Word. You can rest in it.

Jesus replied to the criminal hanging on the cross, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NLT). Your assurance of salvation is the same: God promises you will be in heaven with him one day if you believe in faith.

Talk It Over

  • How do you know you can trust the Bible and God’s promises?
  • How do you live differently when you have assurance of salvation through Christ?

Have you trusted God’s promise of salvation?

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, then pray this prayer:

“Dear Jesus, you have promised that if I believe in you, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess my sin, and I believe you are God, my Savior. I receive you into my life as my Lord. Today, I’m turning every part of my life over to you. I want to follow you and do what you tell me to do.

“Jesus, I am grateful for your love and sacrifice that makes it possible for me to join you in heaven. Thank you that I don’t have to earn or work for my salvation, because I know that is impossible. I want to use the rest of my life to serve you instead of serving myself. I humbly commit my life to you, and I ask you to save me and accept me into your family. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”


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