Young People's Group

True Evidence of Salvation

by Mitchell Tan
August 28, 2019

BLESSING GOD FOR OUR SALVATION IN CHRIST

Our salvation in Christ is truly amazing. The Apostle Paul had taken the time to explain how we are richly blessed with every spiritual blessing when we are saved through faith (Ephesians 1:3-12). Our Lord God has been most gracious in choosing us and redeeming us from our sins. And we have obtained a wonderful inheritance in heaven that no one can take away. He has also given His Holy Spirit as a seal in our lives. All these blessings and more are meant to be deeply appreciated so that we can bless the Lord and give praise to His glory.

CHECKING FOR EVIDENCE OF SALVATION

“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your loves for all the saints”
Ephesians 1:15

One of the things that Paul looked for in the Ephesian Church was whether there was evidence of genuine faith in Christ. On the one hand, we can understand what salvation is. On the other hand, it is important to check whether there are fruits of true salvation in Christ in our lives. What is the evidence of salvation?

1. THE COMMON FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS

Paul had heard about the Ephesians’ faith in the Lord Jesus. In Greek, the word “faith” has an article (the) in front of it. Paul was writing about how the Ephesians had “the” faith. He was identifying the common faith that all believers would have. This was based on the gospel of salvation which they had heard (Ephesians 1:13). They recognised it as the word of truth and believed in Christ. Paul had spent three years at Ephesus, preaching about the kingdom of God, reasoning daily and the word of Lord Jesus was heard by many (Acts 19:10). The Ephesian Church had found a common genuine faith in the Lord Jesus that all Christians had.

2. THE DEFINITE LOVE FOR ALL THE SAINTS

The use of the “and” denotes the idea of how both faith and love are connected together. Faith and love go very much together. There is also an article in front of the word “love” in Greek. This was also to identify the love that all true believers must have. The Ephesians had the same spirit of faith and love for people. There was a healthy regard and love for all within the Church. The elders from Ephesus had a deep love for Paul (Acts 20:37-38). Love is something we should have for each other when we have genuine faith in Christ.

CONSISTENCY OF EVIDENCE OF SALVATION IN THE COLOSSIAN CHURCH

“Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven”
Colossians 1:4-5

1. SAME EVIDENCE

Paul was able to hear of the same evidence of salvation in Christ with regard to the Colossian Church. There was the same faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. Paul also rejoiced in the Colossians’ faith and love for all the saints.

2. HOPE IN HEAVEN

Paul went on to explain the idea of hope with regard to the Colossians. It was this hope in the Lord Jesus that came about through hearing and believing in the gospel of Christ. Faith, hope and love go very much together. Paul gave thanks to the Lord for the evidence of salvation in Him.

CHECKING OUR OWN EVIDENCE OF SALVATION

Young people, it is good for us to check our own salvation in the Lord. Is there the evidence of faith?

1. Is there faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
2. Is there love for all the saints?
3. Is there hope in heaven?

Let’s seek to check whether we have these features of having genuine faith. If not, let’s ensure that we would not rest until we have them in our lives. Let’s believe in the gospel of Christ with all our heart. Let’s make sure that we have genuine faith in Christ.

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