Bible Question: How can you know for sure that you believe in Jesus?

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Bible Question:How can you know for sure that you believe in Jesus?

Bible Answer: People are not sure that they believe in Jesus Christ for three basic reasons.

They are Not Christians. The first reason people are not sure that they believe in Jesus is because they don't. That is, they have never believed in Jesus. They do not believe that Jesus is God. They do not believe that He died for their sins and that He is the one who can forgive their sins. Those who reject His claim to be God, to have died on the cross for our sins, to have returned to life, and to be the future king of the world do not believe in Him. They are not Christians. Not only did Jesus claim that these things are true about Himself, the Old Testament claims He is God and predicted that these things would occur.

Teaching Is Not Clear. Some Christians are not sure that they believe because they do not know what the Bible teaches about salvation. Therefore, we will review some basics. First, the Jews understood that Jesus claimed to be God even though they did agree that He was. This truth is captured in the following statement,

The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God." (NASB) John 10:33

Jesus’ miracles and wonders, His life, and His teachings proved that He was God. Jewish historical records admit that Jesus performed miracle,s and the gospels record that the crowds were stunned because of the things that they saw and heard.

When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands? (NASB) Mark 6:2

Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. (NASB) John 20:30-31

What does it mean to believe in Jesus? First, it means that one believes Jesus is God. Second, it means that one believes Jesus can save him or her from the penalty of sin. it is important to know and believe that we all deserve spiritual death. That is the message of Rom. 6:23,

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB) Rom. 6:23

The following verse puts it all together,

Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures . . . (NASB) 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Those who truly believe in Jesus view themselves as sinners who need to be forgiven. So they respond by seeking God's forgiveness and as a result are willing to submit or yield to Him in obedience. That is true faith. For more information please read "The Rescue!"

Sin In The Life.The final reason some Christians are not sure that they are a Christian is due to some ongoing sin in their lives. Usually, it is a habitual sin in the area of sex, blasphemy, lying, gossip, or drugs. Anger, adultery, divorce, abortion, theft, and murder can also cause one to doubt. Those are not the only sins that cause people to doubt their salvation. The Holy Spirit will convict a sinning Christian and motivate them to repent.

And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment . . . (NASB) John 16:8

The apostle Paul struggled with sin in his own life (Rom. 7:24). He was convicted of his own sins. But the mark of a Christian is that they repent of their sins and turn away from them.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NASB) 1 John 1:9

Victory over sin comes as one repents, seeks forgiveness and is filled with the Holy Spirit. That is, one walks in the Holy Spirit. We would encourage you to read "Filled With The Spirit."

Conclusion:How can you know that you are a Christian? If you are a Christian 1) review what scripture says it means to believe in Jesus Christ.2) Ask yourself, "Am I committing some ongoing or significant sin?" 3) Review the characteristics of a Christian as presented in "Marks of a Christian."