The Three Signs That You Are Saved

In chapter 8 of Pilgrim’s Progress, before Talkative left the companionship of Christian and Faithful, he was asked, “How does the saving grace reveal itself in someone?

Talkative responded but his answers were incorrect, and he took offence.

I hope you do not stop halfway through reading this blog, but may you endure to the end as we investigate the answers of Faithful.

There are three signs that are an indication the Spirit of God is taking root in the heart of a believer.

1.  The first sign is when there is a hatred towards sin that we once loved. Talkative answered this incorrectly, but said, “The grace of God in the heart happens, when there is a great outcry against sin.” What Talkative was saying is that, when someone verbally expresses their hatred for evil it is the beginning of God’s power in the heart, but that is not so.

For example, after Joseph escaped from Potiphar who, tried to force him to sin, she was humiliated and lied to her servants saying, “when he heard that I lifted my voice and cried out, that he left his garment with me, and fled and went outside.” (Genesis 39:15)

She made herself appear to be the victim and screamed for help against Joseph. Did you catch it? She showed herself to hate a sin that she secretly wanted. If she could have had her way she would have slept with Joseph.

The point here is that being expressive against evil is no sign that you hate sin or the spirit of grace has taken root, unless sin becomes like lemon to our tongue we are in the same danger as Talkative.

2. Secondly, “A work of grace in the soul shows itself either to him that possesses it or to those standing by.” This change is not only witnessed by us, but it is also testified by our family, friends and neighbours .

3.  Thirdly, “others must see a life that is consistent with your confession.” When the spirit of grace is growing in the soul, the confession you make to abide by God’s will it is witnessed from then and onwards.

Consistency, whether it be at church, home, work or school is the final indicator, if our profession of faith is a phase, or a momentary excitement.

The Hope

Do not give in to despair if you see this is not you. Because, after Adam and Eve sinned, God said to the serpent, “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed;” (Genesis 3:15)

Had God not placed a hatred in the heart of Eve towards Satan she would have continually sought his presence, same with us, if God does not work in us a love for purity, we would for ever crave for sin like an addict.  

I recently met a humble, Spirit filled minister by the name of Doug from Autumn Leaves. During his talks I recall him saying, “When you do not know something get down on your knees, and ask God to teach you.”

Capture this, if you could gather all the energy and anger to resist, and hate sin, all your efforts would fall greatly short, because in yourself you cannot sustain a change without the Spirit of God. However, when the Spirit is in us, it strengthens our weak will.

If you lack the Spirit that is the source of all holiness begin by asking God for it. God will never ignore the cry of his child.

He did it for David, why would He not do it for you?