How do I know if I am still saved?
The Bible gives us clear guidance for examining our spiritual health and our relationship with God. 1 John 1:6-7 reminds us to walk in the light as He is in the light, which reflects true fellowship with Him. 1 John 2 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as evidence of knowing Him, and 1 John 3 speaks about practicing righteousness and loving others as signs of being born of God.
But there are also sobering examples in Scripture of people who fell away from God, showing that backsliding is very real. Samson didn’t even realize it when the Lord left him (Judges 16:20), and King Saul hardened his heart to God’s will, ultimately losing God’s presence in his life (1 Samuel 16:14). These stories remind us that staying close to God is a daily pursuit, and there’s no room for complacency. The idea of “once saved, always saved” is a dangerous and damning doctrine, deceiving many into spiritual apathy and ultimately leading them to hell.
Spiritual Check-ups
- How’s your prayer life? Are you regularly praying and seeking God, or has prayer become infrequent or routine? A healthy prayer life reflects an active, ongoing relationship with Jesus.
- How’s your devotional life? Are you reading and meditating on God’s Word? 1 John 2:5 tells us that those who love Him will treasure and obey His Word.
- Are you still communing with Jesus or just going through the motions? Is your time with Jesus meaningful, or have you fallen into the habit of doing things just for the sake of doing them? True fellowship with Jesus brings joy and transformation (1 John 1:3-4).
- Are you still on fire for God? Do you feel the urgency to share the Gospel and love others as Christ does, or have you settled into complacency, merely attending services? 1 John 3:16-18 reminds us that loving others actively is a hallmark of true faith.
- Are you exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit? Do you see evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life (Galatians 5:22-23)? 1 John 3:9-10 warns that those who live in sin and fail to practice righteousness reveal they are not walking in God’s light.
- Is there any conviction God has prompted you to act on, but you’ve ignored it? Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to change, but you’ve turned a blind eye? Ignoring conviction hardens the heart and can lead to a backslidden state.
A Warning from Scripture
Backsliding usually starts quietly, deep in the heart. Take Samson, for example—he kept living recklessly and didn’t even realize that God’s presence had left him until it was too late (Judges 16:20). Then there’s King Saul, who let pride and disobedience harden his heart, leading to the Spirit of the Lord departing from him (1 Samuel 16:14). These stories are powerful reminders of how important it is to stay vigilant in our walk with God.
Revelation 3:16 puts it bluntly: “Because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Spiritual apathy is dangerous. The idea of “once saved, always saved” can lull people into a false sense of security, making them think they’re safe while drifting further from God. The truth is, staying close to Him requires daily intentionality.
Next Steps
If any of these questions leave you feeling unsure or distant from God, take it to Him in prayer. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas where you’ve drifted from Him (Psalm 139:23-24). Remember, God’s grace is always available to those who repent. As 1 John 1:9 promises, if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us.
Your salvation isn’t about a one-time moment; it’s a daily walk of faith, obedience, and love. Seek God with your whole heart, and He will restore you to Himself.