Question

Is it possible to know, without any doubt, that I am saved and ready to go into eternity? In other words, can I know for sure that I am on my way to heaven to live with Him forever? 

Answer

Yes, you can, and you are supposed to know. Because while you are on earth, it is the only opportunity you have to do something about it.

“And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].”

1 John 1:4

In 1 John 5:10-13 John tells us about this assurance that we have. Pay special attention to verse 13:

“I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.”

1 John 5:13

These scriptures assure us that we can know, for sure, that we are saved. Not knowing means that we live a life filled with insecurity and anxiety, and this is in direct contrast with the peace and joy that God promises to His followers. 

This complete salvation is already prophesied in the Old Testament, but it is stated as though it was already done. You can read more about it in Isaiah 53:1-12, but I want to highlight the following verses:

“⁴Surely He has borne our griefs (sicknesses, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment] … ⁵But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.”

Isaiah 53:4-5

In Hebrews 4:1-3 the writer also refers to salvation as a completed work. I am highlighting excerpts from verses 2 and 3, and also several other scriptures that confirm our assurance:

“²For indeed we have had the glad tidings [Gospel of God] proclaimed to us… ³ For we who have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on God) do enter that rest…”

Hebrews 4:2-3

“Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.”

Hebrews 7:25

“He went once for all into the [Holy of] Holies [of heaven], … {with} His own blood, having found and secured a complete redemption (an everlasting release for us).”

Hebrews 9:1

“¹²Whereas this One [Christ], after He had offered a single sacrifice for our sins [that shall avail] for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, … ¹⁴ For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.”

Hebrews 10:12,14

Romans 8:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 also refer to our complete assurance of salvation, but I emphasise the following two scriptures from these sections:

“The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.”

Romans 8:16

“…But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah)…“

1 Corinthians 2:16

You can also read the following scriptures: Galatians 3:7-9 and 11, Romans chapters 1 to 4, and Numbers 14. All these truths must be accepted in faith.

Conclusion

We can have the assurance of our salvation and we can therefore celebrate in the knowledge that we are on our way to heaven! This understanding gives a new perspective to the believer’s life: we are not saved through good works! Salvation can only be “bought” through the precious blood of Jesus. He already paid for it. According to His Word, we can now live a holy and pleasing life in His honour, in grateful appreciation and love for Jesus.

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition unless otherwise stated