Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. -2 Corinthians 7:1

While it is true that we are saved by grace and not for anything we have done, it is important to know that certain things are expected of us as children of the most high God. Throughout the New Testament, we are told such things as “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”(Phil 2:12) and “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-26). Sounds a little confusing sometimes, especially if you are new to the family. Please understand, it is not about mixing in some works with God’s grace. Believe me, the Bible clearly teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

If you’re truly worried about this, there is a very good chance you are saved. But… we can’t take chances on something so important that has such an eternal consequence. We are assured that we can know of our salvation. Do you love Jesus? Please note that I did not ask if you ever sin or do things perfectly. No, none of us do. Read Romans 7 and you will see that even the Apostle Paul had his struggles with the flesh and its sin nature. But, we must be careful to know that we are not ‘all set,’ just because we had an emotional moment at a crusade or church service and answered an altar call. No, that is not how it works. It’s about giving our heart to Him. There is a change that will take place in our lives, sometimes major and sudden — but often subtle and gradual as we grow and develop in Christ. As we grow, we will begin to experience the fruit of the Spirit talked about in Galatians and start to see some of the works that result from accepting Christ as our LORD. That is not mixing works with faith, it is experiencing works as a result of faith. May you have what is the title of an old and popular hymn: Blessed Assurance.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -John 8:31-32