DOES A CHANGED LIFE GIVE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION?
Apr 15, 2019
READ TIME — 1-2 MINUTES
“Dave, does a changed life give assurance of salvation?”
The short answer is “no.”
It is impossible to have assurance from an outwardly changed life or one’s behavior. Grace-based assurance does not come from works; it comes from faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 4:4; 11:6; Eph 2:8-9). The best we can say is that a changed life may (or may not) be evidence of regeneration, but we cannot draw a certain conclusion. The only “proof” of salvation is one’s faith in Jesus Christ (His person, provision, and promise). Of course, one’s faith is only known with certainty by that person and by God. We are not assured of salvation by judging our works or conduct, but by trusting in Jesus Christ as our sufficiency for acceptance with God.
CONCLUSION TO THE SERIES OF QUESTIONS ABOUT REGENERATION AND A CHANGED LIFE
God gives divine life to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Savior, which changes one’s spiritual life and standing with God. We can conclude that it changes the believer’s conduct as well, though there is no biblical text that explicitly says so. That conclusion has to be inferred from the totality of scriptural teaching. What is clearer is that outward conduct, or a “changed” life, cannot prove regeneration or give assurance of salvation. A changed life is not automatic, that is why we have numerous exhortations in the New Testament. But a changed life is God’s intention for us (Eph 2:10) and understanding His grace teaches us to live godly lives (Titus 2:11-12). Regeneration demands, intends, initiates, and provides for a changed life, but it does not guarantee a change visible to the believer or others and therefore is inadequate as final proof of salvation. God’s grace is our sufficient guarantee.
SOURCE USED
Bing, Dr. Charlie. “Regeneration and a Changed Life.” <http://www.gracelife.org/resources/gracenotes/pdf/gracenotes64.pdf.>