Just looking for opinions on this subject.
What is the evidence?
Are you sure?
NEW TESTAMENT EVIDENCE FOR ONE'S SALVATION
Evidence for one's salvation is based on the New Covenant (cf. Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:22-36) in Jesus:
The character of the Father (cf. John 3:16), the work of the Son (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21), and the ministry of the Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:14-16), not on human performance (cf. Eph. 2:8-9),
not wages due for obedience, not just a creed.
It is a gift (cf. Rom. 3:24; 6:23; Eph. 2:5,8-9).
It is a new life, a new worldview (cf. James and 1 John).
is knowledge (the gospel), fellowship (faith in and with Jesus), and a new lifestyle (Spirit-led Christlikeness, cf. Eph. 1:4; 2:10) all three, not just any one by itself.
The tests of true salvation in 1 John 2:3-2.
1Jn 2:3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
1Jn 2:4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
1Jn 2:5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
1Jn 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
willingness to confess sin (initially and continually), 1 John 1:9
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we confess (ean homologōmen). Third-class condition again with ean and
present active subjunctive of homologeō, “if we keep on confessing.”
Confession of sin to God and to one another (Jas_5:16) is urged throughout the N.T. from John the Baptist (Mar_1:5) on.
lifestyle obedience, 1 John 2:3-6
lifestyle love, 1 John 2:7-11 ( SPECIAL TOPIC: LOVE)
victory over the evil, 1 John 2:12-14
forsaking the world, 1 John 2:15-17
perseverance, 1 John 2:19
correct doctrine, 1 John 2:20-24; 4:1-3
These tests in 1 John can be summarized in three areas.
the doctrinal test (belief in Jesus, cf. 1 John 2:18-25; 4:1-3,14-16; 5:1,5,10)
lifestyle test (obedience, cf. 1 John 2:3-7; 3:1-10, 22-24)
the social test (love, cf. 1 John 2:7-11; 3:11-18; 4:7-12,16-21; 5:1-2)
Remember, the gospel is
a person to welcome (personal relationship)
truths about that person to believe
a life like that person's to live (Christlikeness is the goal)
I think this should answer your question, and if you need more.........
Evidence for Salvation -- Special Topic by Dr. Bob Utley, professor of hermeneutics (retired).
www.freebiblecommentary.org
Christianity is not only in words, but a radically transformed style of life, diametrically opposed to that of the world.