AG Fundamental Truth #5: Salvation: How to Know You're Really Saved (and What Happens Next)

---

DRAFT — HOLD FOR REVIEW : DO NOT PUBLISH (per Layne/Eva)

HOLD FOR REVIEW — DO NOT PUBLISH

Let's talk about the most important question you'll ever answer:

Are you saved?

Not "Do you go to church?" or "Are you a good person?"

But are you saved: actually reconciled to God, forgiven, redeemed, and secure in Christ?

Here's the good news: You can know.

Not maybe. Not "I hope so." Not "I'm trying my best."

You can know for sure.

This is Fundamental Truth #5 in the Assemblies of God Statement of Faith, and it's called a cardinal doctrine: meaning it's absolutely central to everything we believe.

So let's break it down in plain language.

What Is Salvation?

Salvation is God's rescue plan for humanity.

Because of sin, we're separated from God. We can't fix it on our own. We can't earn our way back. We can't be "good enough."

But God made a way.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV)

Salvation is receiving forgiveness, being made right with God, and entering into a personal relationship with Him: all through Jesus Christ.

It's not about religion. It's about relationship.

And it's a gift.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith: and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God: not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

You can't buy it. You can't earn it. You receive it by faith.

How Do You Receive Salvation?

The AG teaches that salvation is received through two key steps:

1. Repentance Toward God

Repentance means more than just feeling sorry.

It's a decision to turn away from sin and turn toward God.

It's saying, "I've been going my own way, and it's not working. I need You, God. I choose You."

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.

2. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Faith means trusting Jesus as your Savior.

It's believing that His death on the cross paid the price for your sin, and His resurrection proves He has power over death.

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10, NIV)

Notice the simplicity: believe and confess.

That's it.

No complicated formula. No long checklist.

Just honest faith in Jesus.

What Happens When You're Saved?

When you place your faith in Jesus, several things happen immediately:

You're Regenerated

The Bible calls it being "born again."

"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:5, NIV)

God gives you a new spiritual life. You become a new creation.

You're Justified

This is a legal term. It means God declares you "not guilty."

Your sin debt is paid in full by Jesus. You're forgiven: completely.

You Become an Heir of God

You're adopted into God's family. You're no longer a spiritual orphan.

You have a Father. You have an inheritance. You belong.

The Holy Spirit Comes to Live in You

God doesn't just forgive you and leave you to figure it out alone.

He sends His Spirit to live inside you: guiding, comforting, empowering, and changing you from the inside out.

How Can You Know You're Saved?

This is where a lot of people struggle.

They prayed a prayer once. They walked an aisle. But they're still not sure.

The AG identifies two types of evidence that confirm your salvation:

1. Inward Evidence: The Witness of the Spirit

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:16, NIV)

There's an internal confirmation: a deep, Spirit-given assurance that you belong to God.

It's not based on feelings alone, but there is a real sense of peace, of being known, of being loved by God.

If you're truly saved, the Holy Spirit lives in you and bears witness to that reality.

2. Outward Evidence: A Life of Righteousness

Genuine salvation produces change.

Not perfection. But progression.

You'll start to see fruit in your life:

• A growing desire to follow Jesus

• Increasing sensitivity to sin

• A hunger for God's Word

• Love for others

• Evidence of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

You won't be the same person you were before.

A Clear Invitation: Do You Want to Be Saved?

If you've never placed your faith in Jesus, today can be the day.

You don't need to clean up your life first. You don't need to have it all together.

You just need to come to Jesus, honestly, humbly, and by faith.

Here's a simple prayer you can pray right now:

"Jesus, I know I'm a sinner. I've been living my own way, and I need You. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I turn away from my sin and put my trust in You. Forgive me. Save me. Come into my life and make me new. I give my life to You. Amen."

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it: welcome to the family.

You are saved. You are forgiven. You are God's child.

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13, NIV)

What Happens Next? Your First Steps as a Believer

Salvation is the beginning, not the end.

Here are some practical next steps to help you grow:

1. Tell Someone

Don't keep it to yourself. Share your decision with a trusted Christian friend, family member, or pastor.

"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' ... you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NIV)

2. Get Baptized

Water baptism is an outward declaration of your inward faith. It's your public statement that you belong to Jesus.

3. Start Reading the Bible

Begin with the Gospel of John. Ask God to help you understand what you're reading.

4. Talk to God (Pray)

Prayer is just honest conversation with God. Tell Him what's on your heart. Ask for help. Thank Him for saving you.

5. Find a Church Family

You weren't meant to follow Jesus alone. Connect with other believers who can encourage you, teach you, and walk with you.

At Boundless Online Church, we'd love to help you take your next steps. We offer Bible studies, small groups, and a supportive online community.

Visit us at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

6. Grow in Sanctification

Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. It starts at salvation and continues for the rest of your life as you yield to the Holy Spirit.

You Can Know

Salvation isn't a mystery.

It's not something you guess at or hope for.

It's a gift you receive by faith: and once you have it, you can know you have it.

If you've trusted Jesus, you are saved.

Not because you're perfect. Not because you've earned it.

But because Jesus paid it all, and His grace is enough.

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13, NIV)

---

Let's Connect

Have questions about salvation or what it means to follow Jesus? We'd love to hear from you.

Contact Boundless Online Church:

• www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

• www.boundlessonline.org

Dr. Layne McDonald Online and Connection Pastor at Boundless Online Church

---

Want more biblical teaching and life application? Follow Boundless Online Church for the latest series, Bible studies, and practical faith content delivered straight to your inbox. We're here to help you grow( wherever you are.)