Many believers face moments of fear and doubt, especially during times of emotional turmoil. In the midst of such storms, questions arise: Did I deny something? Was my faith strong enough to endure my distress? These fears can whisper that salvation is fragile, dependent on feelings or performance. Yet, the assurance of salvation does not rest on the emotional temperature of our worst moments. It rests firmly on the finished work of Christ and the faithfulness of God.
The true question is not, “Did I feel faithful?” but rather, “Do I believe God’s record concerning His Son?” Everything else is a distraction—a religious trap that seeks to rob believers of peace and beat down the flock.
The Gospel Is a Record, Not a Feeling
The foundation of assurance is the gospel as a divine record:
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
This is God’s testimony. Saving faith is simply agreeing that this record is true—affirming that God is not a liar.
Confusion often arises when people say, “You can’t just believe with your mind; you have to believe with your heart.” This is a false dichotomy. Scripture does not distinguish between intellectual assent and heart faith. To believe is to be convinced that something is true. It is not a mystical emotional experience to be manufactured. The apostle John clarifies:
"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son” (1 John 5:10).
Believing God’s record means having the witness of the Spirit. This is the incorruptible seed of salvation.
Believers often wrestle with accusations that their faith is insufficient because of their struggles or lack of visible fruit. Yet, when asked, “Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again according to the scriptures?” the answer remains, “Yes, I do.” The Spirit testifies to this truth within, and it is unshakable. Emotional outbursts or spiritual lows cannot undo the reality of Christ’s resurrection.
Position Versus Condition
Paul’s revelation brings clarity to this struggle. Consider the Corinthian church—a community marked by division, immorality, and confusion. Paul addresses them as:
"Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2).
He affirms their sanctification and calls them faithful:
"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Their condition was troubled, but their position in Christ remained secure.
Believers have a position in Christ that is independent of their present condition. Understanding this is essential for spiritual health. It is possible to be a defeated Christian and still be a Christian. Victory and joy are God’s desire, but salvation depends solely on Christ’s finished work, not on personal victory.
The attacks on assurance aim to shift focus back onto self—performance, emotional stability, or the quality of faith. This is the perversion Paul warned against in Galatians: a gospel that demands works for what has already been freely given. The true gospel says, “Believe God’s record, and you are saved.”
What About “Continuing in the Faith”?
Some may point to verses like Colossians 1:23:
“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel.”
Does this imply salvation can be lost? No. This passage addresses the believer’s condition, not their salvation. Similarly, 1 John 2:28 exhorts believers to abide in Christ so that they may have confidence and not be ashamed at His coming. The Galatians who “fell from grace” did not lose salvation; they lost the enjoyment of their inheritance and blessing.
The “hope of the gospel” is the believer’s crown. False teachers seek to steal this hope by diverting attention from the simple gospel message. Continuing in the faith means holding fast to the gospel against every false doctrine and accusation, refusing to let anyone rob the believer of their prize.
The Twofold Witness and the Christian Struggle
There is a twofold witness of the Spirit in the believer’s life. First, the objective witness that God’s record is true—that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. This is a matter of agreement or denial. Believers agree.
Second, there is the subjective witness in the spirit that we are sons of God. Romans 8 describes the tension between the flesh, which condemns, and the spirit, which assures. It is possible to know the gospel is true while struggling to feel loved, forgiven, or assured.
This struggle does not indicate a lack of saving faith but reveals the ongoing battle within. Growth in the Christian life is the process of becoming fully assured—allowing the objective truth of the gospel to saturate the soul and cast out fear:
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear” (1 John 4:18).
Perfect love is known by believing the gospel.
Clinging to the Record
In moments of misery and doubt, when emotions flare and fears arise, the believer’s anchor remains the gospel record:
“Jesus Christ is the Son of God… He died and rose again.”
This testimony abides in the believer and is the evidence of being born of God.
Faith is not a fragile thing to be maintained by human effort. It is the faith of the Son of God living within. Justification is by faith, not works:
"He justifieth the ungodly; his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5).
As sons, believers stand in His justification. They are heirs. An heir cannot be disinherited by a bad day.
Return to the simplicity of the gospel. Believe God’s record. He has declared His Son righteous and raised Him from the dead. By believing this, believers are declared righteous and raised with Him. This transaction is unshakable, the one solid reality in the universe. Cling to it, and let everything else be shaken.
