Salvation, Faith and Feelings

Question #1: Is my salvation dependent on my faith in God's Word or should I receive a special feeling?

Salvation: Of Faith or Feelings?

Two men "know" they are saved.

The first man bases his assurance of salvation on his experience.

This person had been assured by a preacher that when he completely (1) turned his life over to Jesus Christ, (2) accepted Him as personal Savior, and (3) received Him into his heart, (4) that an inner peace and feeling of well being would sweep his soul; that he would be able to recognize that feeling when it came; and that this peace and feeling of well being would be unmistakable evidence of his salvation. In keeping with that teaching he did "receive Jesus into his heart.'' He did feel this wonderful peace sweep his soul. And he "knows'' that he is saved.

The second man's assurance is based on the promise of God.

He had read in the Bible, God's word, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved'' (Mark 16:16). From other passages he had learned the necessity of repentance and confession of faith (Acts 2:38; 7:37; Rom. 10:10). Trusting God's promise of salvation, he obeyed from the heart those commands (Rom. 6:17), and has never doubted since that God forgave him of all his past sins, according to His promise in God's Word.

Analysis and comparison.

The first man's assurance of salvation is based upon an unsure foundation. The Bible teaches neither the action he has taken nor the criterion he has accepted. We do not question his feelings; but we do question that such feelings are proof of salvation, for they are the product of his teaching. The cultist who has been taught certain gross practices in religion and has become the victim of his perverted leader will experience similar feelings. If the feelings of the latter are not sufficient proof of salvation, neither are the feelings of the former.

A personal example comes to my mind:
A young university student was speaking to a psychology professor about the happiness she had in her decision to marry this young beau of hers. She said that she had been so distressed as to what decision to make. Did she love him enough to marry him; would he make the right husband for her? And after she made her decision a flood of relief came over her and she was so certain that this meant that she was in love with him and that he was the man of her dreams (no mention of God). Then the psychology professor reminded her that her conclusion did not necessarily follow: the fact that she had made any decision (right or wrong) would make her feel "happy".

"But an angel appeared and spoke to me,'' someone may be thinking; or "I spoke in tongues.'' The Bible teaches, however, that even unusual, inexplicable occurrences in one's life cannot set aside the teaching of God's revealed word. Many who will be in hell will have said, "Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils [demons], and in thy name done many wonderful works?'' (Matthew 7:22). But all their experiences, even "miracles,'' will not substitute for their doing the Father's will as it is recorded in the scriptures (7:21) "but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." This passage teaches that the key to salvation is a doing of God's will. Some action on my part is required. But what action?

What was required of others will be required of me. Acts 10:34-35

Acts 10

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.

35 "But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (NKJV)

THE SECOND MAN HAD FAITH

Faith, but in what? God's word states, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved'' (Mark 16:16). Having heard the gospel, the good news, that person was lost but a savior died for his sins just as for the eunuch's sins recorded in Acts 8:35, "He preached Jesus to him."

Repentance, of what? Past sins and a determination to change. Romans 6:13 "And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God."

Confession of faith. Romans 10:10 "For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Baptism into Christ Gal 3:27,29 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

The second man has based his assurance on a solid foundation. God's promises are sure. He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). What He has promised He is able to perform (Romans 4:21). The person who obeys His commandments through truth in His promises can know, because God is faithful. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments'' (1 John 2:3).

IN CONCLUSION

In our comparison of these two people, who really demonstrates strong faith in God? Is it the man who simply trusts God's promises and finds assurance in His word or the man who must experience some "overwhelming feeling that sweeps his soul?'' God's judgment will be based according to the Word of God when the books are open, not on what we "think" or how we "feel" but on His word (Matthew 12). Be not deceived!

Satan has taught and men believe his deceptive promises. Second Thessalonians 2:3-4: "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."

by Bill Hall adapted by Bill Watkins