Are You Sure You're Saved? Ask Yourself This.
Summary
In this episode, the host challenges listeners to move beyond anxious uncertainty about their salvation, arguing that true believers should have full confidence in their standing with God. Drawing from 1 John, he critiques "unhelpful diagnostic questions" like intellectual doubt or moral perfection, which stem from works-righteousness traditions, and instead highlights the parable of the man with the demon-possessed son to show that faith and doubt can coexist. He encourages men to assess their assurance by asking if they agree with God’s diagnosis of sin, submit to His authority, and demon…
Topics discussed
The 1-10 scale: How confident are you in your salvation?
Historical roots of doubt: Catholic and Orthodox views
1 John and the call for settled assurance
Defining the goal: Why a 10 is the right answer
Unhelpful diagnostic questions: The car mechanic analogy
Doubt vs. Faith: The story of the demon-possessed boy
The nature of faith: Mustard seed and the opposite of sight
Works righteousness vs. Jesus as our Advocate
Trusting Jesus: The jump from the burning building
Romans 10:9 and the meaning of calling on the Name
Diagnostic Question 1: Do you agree with God about your sin?
Diagnostic Question 2: Do you trust Scripture as authority?
Evidence of the Spirit: The battle against sin
Evidence of Love: Prioritizing church and community
Heart and Treasure: Aligning money, time, and affections
Conclusion: Confidence in the finished work of Christ
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