Can One Know WHEN He Is Saved, or IF He Is Saved?

One of the most important questions that we can ask is: "At what point is one saved?" Or the question might be asked this way: "At what point does a person become a Christian and child of God?"

Many preachers contend that one receives the grace of God at the point of faith. Others argue that salvation comes when a sinner "prays through." The former may point to passages that teach the necessity of faith, but they make no effort to explain the comprehensive nature of "faith" nor to use good hermeneutics that require one to seek a conclusion that allows other passages on the matter to harmonize. Such teaching often leaves a person wondering when he is saved or if he is saved at all.

Let us look now at two passages that explain when a person becomes a Christian. The most logical conclusion that we might reach as to the meaning of these passages will not contradict other passages and we can have full assurance that we know, with certainty, the point when we are saved.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses

One more passage to consider:

1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Here Paul answers whether we may know we have eternal life and how we may know. First, yes, we can know. Second, "knowing" is based on what is "written."

These passages do not really need to be explained. They clearly give the answer that many seek. But a warning is in order. If your preacher has not been teaching the truth, and you ask him about this, he will likely seek to persuade you not to listen to this teaching, to this teacher, or to others of like faith who would direct you to these passages.