Signs of SaIvation

by Winkie Pratney
True Christians will show definite signs of a real experience with God that has resulted in a genuine
conversion to Christ. The following are EVDENCES (not PROOF!) that a person has passed "from
death to life. The first group are EXTERNAL ones that you, the counselor, can recognize. The second
are NTERNAL, and those which the new Christians should look for in his own life.
OUTWARD:
1. DESRE FOR SCRPTURE A true Christian wants to read the Bible to find out what God
expects of him. Scripture is spiritual "food. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word
that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
2. DFFERENCE OF STANDARD A radical change in habit, action and purpose. A New Christian
wants to be different in word, thought and deed. t may take time for the inward change to show
outwardly in some things, but never condemn a new convert for what he is until you find out first
what he wants to be! " Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are
passed away; all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:5-16; Ephesians 4:20-
24; Philippians 3:7; 1 John 3:1-3).
3. DFFERENCE OF SELF A child of God begins to tighten the rein on old habits of self-
indulgence. A sterner eye is given to areas of life (such as food and drink, changing both the
quality and quantity). Harmful stimulants, late nights (and late mornings), extravagant dressing
and living begin to dealt with by the Cross. "Every man that hath this hope in him, purifies himself,
even as He is pure (1 John 3:3; Luke 3:11; Matthew 16:24; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:22-
23).
4. DESPSED BY THE WORLD A new Christian will experience trouble from those who know him
well, who don't understand his new life, or from "dead Christians who have backslidden in hearth
and whose lukewarmness the new convert will show up. "Yes that live godly lives in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution (John 15:18-21; Acts 5:40-41; Romans 8:18; 12:20-21; 2 Timothy
2:12; 3:12; Philippians 1:28-29; 1 Peter 2:20-21).
5. SEEKS OTHER CHRSTANS A hunger for fellowship and a real love for true children of God is
a sure sign of the new birth. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have
love one toward another (John 13:35; Acts 2:42; Romans 15:5-6; Ephesians 3:17-19; Hebrews
10:25; Peter 1:22; 1 John 1:2, 7; 3:14; 7:7-13).
6. SERVES THE LORD Looks for ways and means to please the Lord Jesus begins to witness
for Him, and wants to win souls. "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Psalm 107:2;
Philippians 1:21; Matthew 10:32; 25:29; John 14:12 Peter 3:15).
7. STCKS TO THE TASK Keeps pushing forward for the Lord despite failure or setbacks a
determination to stay true to God. . . . This one thing do forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forward for the things before, press toward the mark. (Philippians 3:13-
14; 1 John 1:4; Romans 6:1-14; Peter 1:10; John 5:37, 39; Psalm 37:23-24).

INWARD:
1. ASSURANCE OF GOD'S LOVE This clears away doubt, makes Christians active for the Lord,
decided in his faith and holy in his life. "All that the Father gives me shall come to me ; and the
one that come to me | will certainly never cast out (John 6:37; 5:24; 16:27-33; Acts 13:39,
Romans 15:13; 8:38-39; 1 John 1:12; 3:20; 4:18; 5:12-13).
2. ALL SUSTANNG PEACE This peace upholds and undergirds the believer through all trials
and tribulations. A freedom from fear no matter how dangerous, difficult or deadly a situation may
be. "The peace of God which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds
through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7; Luke 12:32; John 14:1-2, 27; 2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Corinthians
5:1, 8; saiah 32:17; 41:10; Psalm 23:4).
3. AWAKENED CONSCENCE Greater awareness of thoughts, words or deeds which do not
please the Lord. A respect for the power of sin; a fear of the Lord and a keeping of His
commandments. "We know that we are of God and the whole world lies in wickedness (1 John
5:19; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 12:2; John 14:15, 21; Proverbs 19:23; Jeremiah 32:40; 1
Timothy 1:5; James 1:12; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 3:5 1 Peter 1:13-16; 2:9)
4. SEARCH FOR TRUTH A genuine desire for reality and solid foundations on which to build the
new life both in the Word of God and from other spiritual Christians. "For everyone that does evil
hates the light .but he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest
that they are wrought in God (John 3:20-21; 5:39; 8:12, 31; Matthew 7:21; Acts 17:11;
Corinthians 2:9-16).
5. SPRT WTNESS The Holy Spirit provides the indescribable consciousness of acceptance with
God on the merit of the Lord Jesus. "For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God (Romans 8:14; 8:9; John 14:17; 1 John 4:13; 5:10).
6. SONSHP AWARENESS When God is truly Father; the child of God has a warm sense of
parental affection and care from the Lord. "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the
Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying 'Dear Father' (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:28-29; 8:15-
17; John 1:12; 16:26-27; 17:5-6; 21-26; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Ephesians 2:18; 1 John 3:1-2).
7. SOCAL CONCERN An interest in the needs of others, with desire to promote righteousness,
do good "studying and devising ways and means to convert, sanctify and reform mankind. "But
whosoever has this world's goods and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him,
how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:16-24; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; 9:6, 8;
John 9:4-5; Proverbs 11:25).