Can I Be Sure I’m Saved?
Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades or are brand new to the Christian faith, you may have wondered: Can I be sure I’m saved?
We know that Jesus loves us and that His sacrifice on the cross is enough to completely forgive our sins. But how can we be certain of that promise?
In his short but powerful 71-page book, Can I Be Sure I’m Saved?, R.C. Sproul addresses this important and relevant question. I’ve recommended this book to students in middle school, high school, and college, and I’d encourage anyone who calls themselves a Christian to give it a read.
When Doubt Creeps In
Sproul begins by explaining why people sometimes lack assurance of salvation. One common reason is found in Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7:21–23:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Sproul writes:
“There are many people who profess to be Christians, who use the name of Christ, and who call Him ‘Lord’ but actually are not in the kingdom of God at all… They are immersed in the life of the church, heavily involved in ministry, and perhaps have the reputation of being Christians. Yet, Jesus doesn’t know them.”
This is a frightening reality—and it prompts an important question.
Avoiding Empty Religion
How do we avoid being the kind of person who goes to church every Sunday, leads a small group, attends all the events—but isn’t truly following Christ?
Common advice is to read the Bible and pray more. While both are essential spiritual practices, Sproul points out that they aren’t the ultimate solution. Even nonbelievers have read the Bible cover to cover.
The answer lies in Christ Himself—trusting in His power, holiness, and finished work to bring us to Himself.
Seeking Assurance
Sproul reminds us that Scripture actually commands us to seek assurance:
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election…” -2 Peter 1:10–11
This means that confidence in our salvation is possible. In fact, God wants us to have it.
In the final chapter, Sproul explains that understanding what it means to be “born again” is essential. He offers three questions to help discern true regeneration:
Do you love Jesus perfectly?
Do you love Him as much as you ought to?
Do you love Jesus at all?
The Heart of Assurance
If you are a true believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within you. We can have assurance not because of our performance, but because of God’s promise.
The God who loves us so much that He sent His Son to take our punishment will not waste that sacrifice. As much as you desire to be saved, God desires it even more.
Final Thought
If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, Am I really saved? I encourage you to read R.C. Sproul’s Can I Be Sure I’m Saved? It’s a short book with a deep impact—and it could give you the confidence to rest fully in the grace of Jesus Christ.
