Doubt Salvation

QUESTION: Why do I doubt salvation?

ANSWER:

Doubt is a refusal to accept the truth and to act on it. When we lack assurance of salvation, our adversary, the devil seeks to disconnect us from our eternal relationship with God. In our confusion and fear, our intimacy with God faces instability.

“But when you ask him [God], be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do” (James 1:6–8).

Our emotions frequently cause us to doubt salvation. Difficult, even painful circumstances, often compel us to question God’s unconditional love.

• Job longed for assurance: “I cry out to you, O God, but you don’t answer me. I stand before you, and you don’t bother to look” (Job 30:20).
  
  
• Paul faced torture and extreme misfortune (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). He pleaded with God: “...I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me . . .Three times I begged the Lord to take it away” (2 Corinthians 12:7–8).

Job felt he had failed God. Paul struggled with pride and weakness. Only when both men humbled themselves before God, did they again realize the love of their Heavenly Father. Through prayer, trust, and thanksgiving, they again rested in the assurance of eternal salvation. “And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him... So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for awhile” (1 Peter 1:5–6).

Trying to “earn” God’s approval makes us doubt salvation. It is the power of God’s grace that provides security. “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people” (Titus 2:11).

Consider the ways people attempt to earn salvation:

• Performing notable deeds that bring honor to God
• Serving those in need through selfless acts of compassion or generosity
• Sacrificing our lives to rescue another life

Only a perfect life, unblemished by sin, deserves salvation. Our assurance comes from belief in Jesus Christ. “It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began -- to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:9).

Assurance of Salvation