One of the many roles of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to assure us of our salvation in Christ Jesus and our status as bona fide (genuine) children of God.
The Holy Spirit provides believers with the assurance of their salvation in various ways, offering an internal witness, guidance, and transformation that bring confidence in their status as children of God. This assurance is deeply embedded in the believer’s relationship with God and is affirmed through the Spirit’s presence and work. Let us delve into how the Holy Spirit accomplishes this assurance in your life and mine:
1. The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:16 states, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
This “bearing witness” is the Holy Spirit’s way of confirming to believers that we belong to God. This internal affirmation is not a feeling or emotion but a deep, spiritual assurance that aligns with the Word of God.
What does this “bearing witness” look like?
Confirmation of Identity: Just as earthly children have a secure sense of belonging with their parents, the Holy Spirit reassures believers of their identity as children of God. The Holy Spirit gives us a sense of belonging to God and His family. In John 1:12, it says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” The Spirit reminds believers of their new identity, assuring them of their adoption into God’s family.
Security in Relationship: In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul writes that believers “were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.”
When a company puts their seal on a product, it generally implies: 1) Authenticity: The product is genuine and not counterfeit. 2) Brand Trust: The company stands behind the product. Therefore, being sealed by the Holy Spirit as a believer denotes that you are a genuine child of God before heaven. Additionally, it means that God and His resources in the heavens and on earth are solidly standing behind you, backing you up. This is powerful!
The Holy Spirit is like a seal or pledge of God’s promise to His children, affirming their salvation and their secure place in God’s family.
2. Conviction of Righteousness and Conviction of Sin
Another way the Holy Spirit assures believers of their salvation is by convicting them of righteousness and sin. This conviction is not condemning but is a loving reminder of God’s standards, encouraging believers toward growth in Christ.
Conviction of Righteousness: In John 16:8-10, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. For believers, this means that the Spirit continually draws them toward righteous living. The Spirit’s conviction helps believers live in a way that is pleasing to God, reinforcing their relationship with Him.
Gentle Correction: Hebrews 12:6-8 speaks of God’s discipline, reminding believers that God’s discipline is proof of His love. As a parent, I lovingly discipline my children when they step out of line because I love them and want them to excel in life. If another child with their own parents, for example in a shopping mall, does something silly, I will walk on and not bother. Why? Because that child is not mine.
Therefore, when the Spirit convicts believers of sin, it is a confirmation that they belong to God as His children. This correction is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s active role in guiding believers into a life that aligns with God’s character.
3. Producing Spiritual Fruit
The presence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life is evidenced by the growth of the “fruit of the Spirit” listed in Galatians 5:22-23: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” The Spirit’s fruit manifests as a believer matures, showing that they are being transformed from within.
Transformation and Growth: 2 Corinthians 5:17 assures believers that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This newness of life is an indication of the Spirit’s work within, showing believers the reality of their salvation.
Evidence of God’s Work: Philippians 1:6 emphasises, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” The Holy Spirit’s ongoing work in a believer’s life gives assurance that God is actively transforming them and will continue to work in them.
4. Guidance in Truth
Jesus said in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit would “guide you into all truth.” This includes helping believers understand and trust God’s promises regarding their salvation. The Spirit uses Scripture to remind believers of God’s truth, promises, and faithfulness.
Illuminating God’s Word: The Holy Spirit helps believers understand Scripture, especially the promises of salvation. This understanding strengthens their faith. For example, in John 10:28-29, Jesus promises that “no one will snatch them out of My hand.” The Spirit illuminates these promises, assuring believers of their security in Christ.
Revealing God’s Will: Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” The Holy Spirit leads believers in decisions and discernment, confirming their relationship with God and His ongoing guidance.
5. Prayer and Intercession
Romans 8:26-27 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps in believers’ weaknesses and “makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” When believers struggle to pray or feel unsure, the Holy Spirit prays on their behalf, affirming their relationship with God.
Confidence in the Place of Prayer: Knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for them reassures believers of their connection with God. Even in moments of doubt, the Spirit brings them into God’s presence, reinforcing their relationship.
Alignment with God’s Will: As the Spirit prays in alignment with God’s will, He reassures believers that they are part of God’s family, which provides assurance of their salvation and place within God’s purpose.
Conclusion
The assurance of salvation through the Holy Spirit is not based on emotions but is rooted in the Spirit’s active role in believers’ lives. This assurance is evident in the Holy Spirit’s witness, guidance, conviction, and prayer. By looking to the Holy Spirit’s work within them, believers can have confidence in their salvation and their status as children of God.
The Holy Spirit’s presence provides assurance that believers are secure in God’s promises. As we allow the Spirit to work in our lives, He confirms to us that we belong to God and strengthens our faith to live in alignment with His will.
God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Declaration: I am sealed with the Holy-Spirit, therefore God Almighty backs me up, I will not fail, I will not be a victim. I will be successful and victorious in life, destiny and ministry because His name is invested in me, in Jesus Name.
Feast of Light Word Ministry
