'I Know I'm Saved'
Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the certainty of salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to confidently declare their saved status.
Selwyn Hughes preaches about the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Christianity offers the certainty of salvation while other religions may not. He shares the testimony of John Wesley, who experienced a profound assurance of salvation in 1738, and highlights the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to claim this assurance. Hughes encourages believers to confidently declare their salvation, as Christ promises to save completely those who come to God through Him.
Text
"... [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him ..." (v. 25)
For reading & meditation:
Hebrews 7:11-28
Is it possible to know without any shadow of doubt that one is saved and ready to meet God? This question, says one writer, goes right to the roots of religious experience. Christianity says "Yes." Other religions are not sure. Without exception they will tell you that it savors of presumption to say one is certain that one is saved. I know some Christians have difficulty here also. They contend that we can hope to be saved, or claim we are being saved, but that no one can state with any degree of assurance that they are saved. It is gross self-centeredness, they maintain, and a sign of self-absorption to claim here and now on this earth, "I am saved." Yet John Wesley declared it. On May 24, 1738, he walked into a room in Aldersgate Street, London, where he heard someone read the Preface to Luther's commentary on Romans, and as he listened there was given him "an assurance" that God had taken away his sins and saved him from the law of sin and death. Millions all over the world can say as Wesley did that they have an assurance they are saved and know that when they die they will go to heaven. It is not presumption to say you are saved providing, of course, you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Indeed, it is offensive for anyone who has given himself or herself to Christ not to say they are saved. As we see from our text today, Christ promises to save and save completely. I know I'm saved. How about you?
O Father, thank You that not only do You save me from my sins and draw me to Yourself but You give me the assurance that I am Yours forever. How can I thank You enough for such wondrous grace? With my stammering tongue, however, I will try. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The assurance of salvation - Contrasting views on certainty of salvation - The role of personal relationship with Jesus
- II points: - 'Historical perspective: John Wesley''s experience' - The impact of assurance on believers - Global testimonies of salvation
- III points: - Christ's promise to save completely - The importance of declaring one's salvation - Living in the assurance of being saved
Key Quotes
“[Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him.” — Selwyn Hughes
“It is not presumption to say you are saved providing, of course, you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” — Selwyn Hughes
“O Father, thank You that not only do You save me from my sins and draw me to Yourself but You give me the assurance that I am Yours forever.” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus and affirm your assurance of salvation.
- Share your testimony of salvation with others to encourage their faith.
- Practice gratitude for the grace that assures you of eternal life with God.