How can you know if you’re really saved? Can Christians actually have assurance of salvation—or should we always wonder whether our faith is genuine?

In this episode of Fridays at First, we talk about what the Bible says about genuine saving faith, assurance of salvation, good works, repentance, spiritual growth, and Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7: “I never knew you.”

We also explore the difference between simply knowing facts about Jesus and actually knowing and following Him. What should change after someone puts their faith in Christ? If good works cannot save us, why does Scripture place so much emphasis on obedience, spiritual fruit, and becoming more like Jesus?

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How someone can examine whether their faith is genuine

• Why salvation is not simply an emotional experience

• What Matthew 7 teaches about people who call Jesus “Lord”

• The difference between intellectual belief and surrender to Christ

• Why good works cannot earn salvation

• Why genuine salvation should produce good works

• The fruit of the Spirit as evidence of Christ working in our lives

• The difference between struggling with sin and willingly living in sin

• Justification, sanctification, and spiritual growth

• What to do when you are struggling with assurance of salvation

Scripture discussed includes Matthew 7:21–23, 2 Corinthians 13:5, James 2, Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Romans 5–6, 1 John 1, and Romans 9.

If you are wrestling with whether you genuinely know Jesus, our goal is not to create unnecessary fear but to point you back to Christ and encourage honest biblical self-examination.

What has helped you understand the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 How Can You Know If You’re Saved?

2:16 Examining Whether Your Faith Is Genuine

5:25 Did I Really Get Saved—or Just Pray a Prayer?

9:10 Why Would Jesus Say “I Never Knew You”?

12:00 Intellectual Belief vs. Surrender to Jesus

16:24 Following Jesus for the Right Reasons

22:15 Is Jesus Really the Treasure of Heaven?

24:32 Faith, Works, and Evidence of Salvation

25:11 Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus

31:35 If Works Don’t Save Us, Why Do They Matter?

39:15 Spiritual Growth and Examining Your Faith

42:28 Struggling With Sin vs. Living in Sin

47:57 Does Grace Mean We Can Keep Sinning?

50:36 How Warning Passages Can Strengthen Assurance

52:08 What to Do If You’re Still Unsure

Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=nlbw6B_ymUOpbrDV

Watch a related episode or video: https://www.youtube.com/live/h0cJrn6DmPw?si=unmO7_gB4THs5pzx

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