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Romans 3:10–20
Flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin (v. 20).
How can it be possible for people to believe with all their hearts that they are saved when, in fact, they are not? Actually, there are numerous ways by which people may come to such unjustified convictions. They include:
Legalism. Many people believe that they will spend eternity in heaven because of their obedience to God’s commands. They are confident that they have done enough to meet God’s standard for entrance. It goes without saying that such people have not been exposed to the Scriptures or have grossly misunderstood them. We are told there that “There is none who does good” (Rom. 3:12b). Even if an unsaved person behaves in a manner that conforms to God’s commands, he does so for selfish reasons, not for love of God. Thus, his “obedience” is not good at all. And besides, the Bible declares that “by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified.” Conformity to the law of God is not an adequate basis for assurance.
Sacerdotalism. Under this view, salvation is accomplished through the priesthood, the sacraments, or the church. Many are confident they have been saved because they have been prayed for; have been baptized or have received the Lord’s Supper; or belong to a church. But Paul told the Philippian jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Universalism. There is a widespread belief today that everyone ultimately is saved and that no one is condemned. Those who hold this view will admit that people aren’t perfect, but they generally believe that good deeds will more than balance out evil ones, and that God will simply forgive and forget because “that’s His job.” We might call this view “justification by death,” meaning that all one has to do to get into heaven is to die. But Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Even evangelicals can draw false assurance from these sources. In addition, evangelicals often believe they are saved because they have prayed the “sinner’s prayer,” have raised a hand at an evangelistic rally, have gone forward at an altar call, or have otherwise “made a decision for Christ.” God can work through these techniques, but they do not save in and of themselves, and they are no basis for assurance.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
If you believe you have been saved, ask yourself why you hold that conviction. Is it because of something you did at some point in the past, because of your ongoing deeds, or because of something a pastor or Christian friend did for you? If so, your assurance may be built on sand. Keep reading as we examine the Biblical grounds of assurance.
For Further Study
- Mark 7:13
- Acts 4:12
- 2 Cor. 5:10
- 1 Tim. 2:5