The question of whether or not a person is saved is vitally important and has eternal ramifications. Biblical salvation begins by coming to an understanding of who God is and who we are apart from Him. The Bible reveals that God is holy and righteous and perfectly loving in all His ways. Unfortunately, the Bible likewise reveals that although we are made in the image of God, we are simultaneously infected by the poison of sin and deserve eternal separation from God (Rom 3:23; 6:23).
A vital aspect of biblical salvation is repenting of our sin and turning to God for the power to live a godly life. In fact, “repent” was the first word out of Jesus’ mouth in the Gospel of Matthew (4:17). This term literally means a change of mind concerning one’s attitude and behavior. When we repent, we are saying “no” to the things that dishonor God and “yes” to the things that bring Him glory and honor.
Moreover, the question of whether or not a person is saved is contingent upon whether or not a person has ever truly repented and turned to God. If repentance has occurred, there will be change in our desires and actions. This change is sometimes slower than we wish, but it is real change nonetheless.
In short, a one-time prayer of repentance in the past should not give a person present confidence of salvation. If the prayer was real there should be evidence that the person in question has lived a lifestyle of repentance on a consistent basis. The question we should be continually asking ourselves is whether we are presently repenting and turning to God.
For further study see: Romans 3:23; John 3:8;
II Corinthians 7:9-11; Acts 2:38
Pastor Scott Adams
Being saved is both an immediate and a continual process; this means that when a person truly enters into salvation through the propitiatory shed blood of Christ trusting in Him and believing on Him, and repent we are saved.
It is a continual process not in that we must continue to be saved, but we are always being made more like Christ. Human beings are like polluted silver, whereby the dross of sin is removed over time, until no impurities remain. Jesus can only then begin to see His reflection in the pure silver of the justified and sanctified spirit of a person given over to God.
But no matter what a soiled mirror even though it is a mirror reflects nothing but the soil covering it. It is the same with unsaved people, they reflect nothing of the nature and character of God.
Brett Farris