The Five Tests Of Salvation

Scripture Reading:

2 Corinthians 13:5

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"

Brothers and sisters in Christ, this morning we will explore one of the most important topics in our faith: the assurance of salvation.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reminds us to examine ourselves, to test our faith, and to see if Christ truly lives within us. Salvation is a gift from God, but it also calls us to reflect on whether our lives align with that precious gift.

Let us look at five key tests that can help us determine if we are walking in true salvation.

1. The Test of Faith

The first and most foundational test of salvation is faith in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

The question is simple: do you truly believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Not just intellectually, but with your heart?

This test isn't about being perfect, but about trusting Christ's finished work on the cross for your sins.

Let's remember without faith in Him, there is no salvation. Faith is the doorway to everything that follows.

2. The Test of Obedience

1 John 2:3-4 challenges us: "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person."

The second test is whether your life reflects obedience to God’s Word.

Do you strive to live according to the teachings of Scripture?

None of us can obey perfectly, but the desire to follow God’s commands shows that His Spirit is at work in us. If we persistently disregard God's commands and choose to live in rebellion, we may need to reconsider if we truly know Him.

3. The Test of Love

1 John 4:7-8 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

This third test of salvation is love for others, especially fellow believers.

Do you have a genuine love for the people around you, or are you harboring bitterness and hatred?

Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). If we claim to be saved but do not demonstrate love, we must ask ourselves if we have truly encountered the transforming power of Christ.

4. The Test of Perseverance

Matthew 24:13 says, "But the one who endures to the end will be saved."

The fourth test is the test of perseverance.

True salvation is marked by a life that continues in faith, even through trials, challenges, and hardships.

We all experience moments of doubt or weakness, but a true believer will not abandon their faith in Christ. They will persevere, not by their own strength, but by the grace of God that sustains them.

Are you standing firm in your faith even when life gets hard?

5. The Test of the Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Finally, the test of salvation is found in the fruit that your life bears.

Is the Holy Spirit producing godly character within you?

At the moment we are saved, the Spirit works within us to transform our lives, making us more like Christ. It’s not about being perfect, but about seeing the evidence of God’s work in your life.

Conclusion: Assurance in Christ

In closing, these five tests are not meant to make you doubt your salvation, but to help you confirm that your faith is genuine.

If you pass these tests—faith in Christ, obedience to His Word, love for others, perseverance in trials, and the fruit of the Spirit—you can have great assurance of your salvation.

But if you find yourself lacking in one or more areas, don’t be discouraged. Seek the Lord, repent, and ask Him to transform your heart.

Remember, salvation is not earned through these tests, but it is evidenced by them. We are saved by grace through faith alone, and our works and attitudes confirm the reality of that salvation.

Let us continue to examine ourselves, relying not on our own efforts, but on the power of Christ within us.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to examine our hearts and our lives in light of Your Word. Strengthen our faith, increase our love, and produce the fruit of Your Spirit in us. May we live in the assurance of our salvation, persevering in our walk with You until the day we stand in Your presence. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.