How Do You Know If You Are Saved?

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A few Sundays ago, my husband concluded his sermon series on creating spiritual habits with a fundamental yet often challenging question: How do you know if you are saved? This simple question can either spark many answers or leave a person unsure. As believers—whether new or mature—this is an essential question to answer because it impacts our faith, our perspective on eternity, and how we live our lives daily.

We had two new young men recently recruited to our dorm ministry. They moved from the provinces to Phnom Penh to study and work, and when they were asked this question, they were completely unsure how to respond. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with them. Though they heard the message from the pulpit that Sunday, we know that true understanding takes time. They need to learn who God is and why accepting Christ as their Savior is the most crucial decision they will ever make.

Evident Repentance: A True Mark of Salvation

One of the key points my husband emphasized was that true salvation is evident in a believer’s life through repentance. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sins; it is a complete change of mind, heart, and behavior. This inward transformation must be reflected outwardly so that even those around us can see the change and be drawn to Christ.

A.W. Tozer wisely said, "A thousand years of remorse over a wrong act would not please God as much as a change of conduct and a reformed life." This aligns with what the Bible teaches in Acts 3:19, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." True repentance involves turning away from sin and toward God, leading to a renewed life that bears witness to His grace.

In Cambodia, where Buddhism is deeply ingrained in the culture, repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ are often misunderstood. Many believe that good works and merit-making will lead them to a better afterlife. However, the Bible makes it clear that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our changed lives should serve as a testimony that salvation is not about human effort but about God’s transforming power.

A New Life in Christ: From the Inside Out

My husband also stressed that a true believer experiences inward-to-outward transformation. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit begins a lifelong process of sanctification in us. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" A genuine relationship with Christ is evidenced by a changed life—our desires, priorities, and behaviors shift to align with God’s will.

2 Corinthians 5:17
For example, in Cambodia, new believers often struggle with breaking away from past traditions, such as ancestral worship, spirit offerings, and participating in Buddhist festivals. However, as they grow in their faith, their understanding deepens, and they begin making choices that reflect their new identity in Christ. Some might face persecution from their families for choosing to follow Jesus, but their steadfast faith and transformed lives become powerful testimonies of God's grace.

The Assurance of Salvation: Knowing Your Eternal Destiny

Another crucial point my husband emphasized was the assurance of salvation. Many believers wrestle with doubts, wondering if they are truly saved. However, the Bible gives us assurance in Romans 10:9, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Salvation is not based on feelings but on faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross.

In a culture like Cambodia, where uncertainty about the afterlife is common, the gospel offers a message of hope. Unlike the Buddhist belief in reincarnation and karma, Christianity assures us of eternal life with Christ. John 10:28 says, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." This promise is a great comfort to those who fear the unknown. When we belong to Christ, we can be confident that our salvation is secure.

Living with an Eternal Perspective

Finally, my husband reminded us that we are only temporary residents on this earth. Our ultimate goal is not earthly success but eternal life with our Savior. Philippians 3:20 affirms this, saying, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This perspective changes how we live. Instead of chasing after worldly desires, we invest in what truly matters—our relationship with God and sharing the gospel with others.

In Cambodia, this eternal perspective is especially relevant for believers who experience financial struggles and societal pressures. It is easy to become discouraged when comparing our lives to others, but knowing that we are citizens of heaven shifts our focus from temporary trials to eternal rewards. This truth should also motivate us to share the gospel with those around us, especially in a nation where many have never heard of Jesus.

Walking in the Assurance of Salvation

The question “How do you know if you are saved?” is one that every believer must be able to answer with confidence. As my husband shared in his sermon, true salvation is marked by repentance, a transformed life, and the assurance that we belong to Christ. We are not saved by good works, but our changed lives should reflect the work of Christ in us. Our faith is not based on emotions but on the truth of God’s Word, and our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the promise of eternal life.

For the two young men in our dorm who heard this message for the first time, it is just the beginning of their journey. It may take time for them to understand fully, but we pray that they will one day make the decision to accept Christ and experience the joy of salvation. In the meantime, we continue to plant seeds, trusting that God will bring growth in His perfect timing.

As we go about our daily lives, may we reflect on this truth and live in a way that testifies to God’s saving grace. Let us be the light in Cambodia, showing through our lives what it means to be truly saved.


Serving in Cambodia!
The Hourngs

Location: Cambodia

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