How do we have assurance of salvation? God gave us His words that we may know the evidence of our salvation.

Knowing the basis for salvation (1 John 3:13-18)

The world hates Christ first and rejects Christ. Hence, we are to expect the world to hate Christians too, being followers of Christ. Christians know something the world does not: we have the assurance of salvation. We are enjoying this eternal life from now when we can worship God. We know God and God has made Himself known to us. Love for brethren becomes an evidence of salvation. A faith without love for fellow brethren is a false faith. Hatred reveals a murderous identity and goes against the sixth commandment. Because we have received the love of God, we will love our brethren. Christian love is patient, always ready to forgive and to restore. It is a giving kind of love. Are we prepared to love by giving our lives to one another? Action speaks louder than words. We are to put our godly love into action.

Bearing the fruits of our salvation (1 John 3:19-24)

A Christian can know through his experience that he is a child of God. It is through his godly love for his brethren, caring for others more than himself. This is an assurance of salvation. Also, when sin has overcome us, we will feel the conscience working in our hearts. Let us not forget that the way back is to come back to God. Pray for forgiveness, that we be restored and re-gain the confidence in God. We are to let God’s words influence all aspects of our lives so that whatever we ask of God, our desires are conformed to His desire. God will hear us and answer us. Having God’s words with us, we are to obey and keep all of God’s commandments. This is also a mark of one who is truly saved.