Salvation Assurance: Does Ongoing Struggle with Sin Mean I Should Doubt?
Orientation
The false assumption is that salvation requires multiple steps or conditions beyond simply believing the gospel.
- Salvation is presented as a multi-step process, adding discipleship or repentance as requirements.
- Assurance becomes dependent on our performance and visible moral improvement.
- This shifts our confidence from Christ's finished work to our own ongoing efforts.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)
— Romans 4:5
Clarification
Justification is God's instantaneous declaration of righteousness the moment one believes the gospel, not a process earned by behavior.
- Believers can be carnal, struggling with sin, and still be declared righteous saints.
- Our righteousness is Christ Himself in heaven, imputed to us, not a quality of our behavior.
- The only evidence of salvation is belief in the gospel message, not the presence or absence of specific fruit.
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. (1 Corinthians 1:2)
— 1 Corinthians 1:2
Structure
Pauline revelation establishes a clear order: assurance through faith first, then peace with God, from which holiness flows.
- Justification by faith alone is the foundation (Romans 3:28).
- Peace with God follows justification (Romans 5:1).
- Growth and holiness are the result of learning to rest in this accomplished reality.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)
— Romans 5:1
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core assertion is justification by faith alone, without the deeds of the law. This is the Pauline category that bears the weight. The gospel is the message that Christ died for our sins and rose again according to the scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4). Believing this is the single requirement. Any teaching that adds steps—discipleship, repentance from sin as a condition, or visible moral improvement as evidence—constitutes another gospel (Gal 1:6-9). It shifts the ground of assurance from Christ’s alien righteousness, which is a Person in heaven, to the believer’s own performance under the law. The law is a ministry of condemnation; it cannot measure the Spirit’s work. Believers are declared righteous saints positionally at the moment of belief, even while they may be carnal in practice. Their standing is secure because it is based on God’s declaration, not their fluctuating condition.
Integration
Your salvation was secured completely when you believed the gospel. It is finished. Christ is your righteousness. Your peace with God is not a feeling to achieve but a fact to rest in, because you have been justified by faith. When you struggle or fail, do not hide. Come boldly to the throne of grace. Your growth is not about producing visible ‘sin victory’ but growing deeper in knowing Christ and letting His life flow through you. Holiness comes from this assurance, not the other way around. You are safe. You are His. Simply trust in Him that justifieth the ungodly. Your faith is counted for righteousness.