How Do You Know That You Are Saved?

Colossians 1:5,6 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth:

The true believer brings forth the fruit of a new lifestyle, a lifestyle that is pleasing in the sight of Almighty God. If we are rooted and grounded in Christ, it should be evident. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He that abides in Me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit.” Colossians 1:5 speaking of the gospel, says “the gospel brings forth fruit in the believer.”

Okay, what does the Bible mean when it speaks of fruit? Specifically?

Well, #1, the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8). Zacchaeus had “more than tears.” He said, “Behold, Lord, if I’ve wronged anyone I’ll pay him back fourfold. I’ll give half my goods to the poor.” He knew God’s Law. He was a Godly Jew. That’s what brought him to Christ. It was the schoolmaster to bring him to Christ as a Godly Jew, knowing God’s Law. Or should I say, “a Jew that was humbled by the Law.” He said, “Behold, Lord, if I’ve wronged anyone I’ll pay back fourfold,” which is what the Law demanded.

Secondly, the fruit of good works. The Bible says in the book of Titus, “Let those who of you who have believed in God be careful to maintain good works.” Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” 1 Peter 2:15 “For so is the will of God that by your welldoing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” If you’re a Christian who is rich in good works, people will say, “I don’t believe what he believes, but boy I can see that he’s genuine.” You’ll put them to silence, you’ll stop their mouth by your good works.

Number three, the fruit of thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15). I mean, if you’re soundly saved, there should be a cry within your heart, “thanks be to God for the unspeakable gift.” If there isn’t the fruit of thanksgiving, if there isn’t a gratitude burning in your soul, you may not be saved.

Number four, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It should be evident in, “love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance.”

Number five, the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11). There should be the fruit of that which is right, the fruit of righteousness in your lifestyle. Remember Matthew 3:10 says, “every tree that brings not forth good fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire.” Therefore as Christians, in our evangelistic endeavors, we should do everything we can not just to get decisions, not just to get church members, youth group members, but to produce fruit-bearing commitments to Christ, because “every tree that brings not forth good fruit will be cut down and cast into the fire.”

See I used to think the foolish man who built his house on sand was the unbeliever. No, you read what Jesus said. He said, “he that hears my sayings and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” The ungodly don’t hear the saying of Jesus. Most of them know “judge not lest you be judged,” and the golden rule, “do to others as you’d have them do to you.” And both, they’re twisted, they don’t understand them. No, the church is filled with people who hear the sayings of Jesus and don’t obey them. They don’t evangelize, even though Jesus said, “you are my witnesses,” “let your light shine before men,” “go unto all “go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Jesus said that the world would know His followers by their fruits...God help us daily to bear the fruit of Christ no matter how much it may disappoint others...and it will!

-Pastor Randy