How to Be Sure You're a Christian

Leaders Manuals:

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this session is to help your group members be assured of their salvation and eternal destiny.

Last week's study was devoted to the amazing truth that the God of the universe wants to have a personal relationship with us. Hopefully that truth is still making an impact on your group members. The fact that they joined your small group is probably a good indication that they want an ongoing relationship with God.

New Christians are often confused over what is promised to them as believers, and often they do not have assurance that God has forgiven them. Older believers may doubt their salvation because their Christian walk has been sporadic. Sin's power may overwhelm them at times. Still others think they're saved but do not have valid reasons for believing so. This study will comfort those who doubt and challenge those who may have false assurances of salvation. The goal for this session is to have everyone know where they stand with God—and know that they are secure in their relationship with him.


PRAYER

Open with a short prayer for the group as you begin this study.


Go around the circle and have each group member answer this question:
The biggest challenge I faced this week was _____________
Then have each person answer this question:
One thing I found myself appreciating this past week was __________


REVIEW

Bible
Have each person share something that they learned from reading the first three chapters of the gospel of John.

Prayer
Ask: What major concern did you pray about this week?

Scripture Memory
Have group members either write down or recite Revelation 3:20.


PURPOSE

No couple can build a lasting marriage if one partner is unsure of the love of the other. What if a spouse isn't even sure if the other person accepts him or her completely and doubts the other's commitment for life? A marriage with that degree of uncertainty is unstable and unhealthy. The same is true in our relationship with God. People who aren't sure of their salvation can never fully experience the blessing of their union with Christ. On the other hand, there are people who assume they will go to heaven while failing to ask what might still stand in the way. These people may live with false hope and may possibly face eternal destruction.

In this study, we will examine some of the most cOmmOn misconceptions about salvation. The purpose of this session is to help you be assured of your salvation and eternal destiny.


STUDY

When it comes to assurance of their salvation, people fall into three categories:
• Those who live with confidence that they have salvation
• Those who at times doubt their salvation
• Those who hope they are forgiven but lack assurance

Which category best describes you?
Some may not have answered or may want to elaborate on the category of certainty into which they place themselves. Allow them to do so. You will probably get a mix of responses, with some people having assurance of their salvation and others not so sure. Some may even try to say that nobody can be absolutely sure. Try to keep the discussion focused on personal sharing rather than theological arguments.
If appropriate for your group, ask: If you died tonight, how certain are you that you would go to heaven?
Be sensitive to those who are unsure whether or not they are Christians.