This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:13-16
Two ways we know we are saved are the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit and Love. Love is what its all about. God’s love expressed in Jesus starts a ripple effect in us that then is expressed to others. The early apostles and many believers actually saw Jesus die and come back alive. They witnessed his miracles and were able to tell and testify to others that God the Father, sent His Son as Savior.
Do I know I am saved? I do. The evidence is that God’s Spirit has come into my life and secondly, the love of God flows into my life and through my life.
God, Your word says that perfect love casts out fear. I know some people fear You. While I have a awesome reverence and sense of awe, Your love has driven fear from my life. I feel like times of prayer and reflection upon Jesus move me to a place of longing to be in Your presence face to face. Knowing You is salvation.
John Newton who penned the words to Amazing Grace, also pondered the question “Am I His or Am I not”
‘Tis a point I long to know, Oft it causes anxious thought;
Do I love the Lord, or no? Am I his, or am I not?
If I love, why am I thus? Why this dull and lifeless frame?
Hardly, sure, can they be worse, Who have never heard his name!
Could my heart so hard remain, Prayer a task and burden prove;
Every trifle give me pain, If I knew a Saviour’s love?
When I turn my eyes within, All is dark, and vain, and wild;
Filled with unbelief and sin, Can I deem myself a child?
If I pray, or hear, or read, Sin is mixed with all I do;
You that love the Lord indeed, Tell me, Is it thus with you?
Yet I mourn my stubborn will, Find my sin, a grief, and thrall;
Should I grieve for what I feel, If I did not love at all?
Could I joy his saints to meet, Choose the ways I once abhorred,
Find, at times, the promise sweet, If I did not love the Lord?
Lord decide the doubtful case! Thou who art thy people’s sun;
Shine upon thy work of grace, If it be indeed begun.
Let me love thee more and more, If I love at all, I pray;
If I have not loved before, Help me to begin today.
