Biblical Answer

The Assurance of Salvation

As a Christian, it's natural to wonder if we're "good enough" to save our own lives. The Bible teaches that we're not capable of saving ourselves through our good deeds or moral efforts. In Matthew 18:18, Jesus gives his disciples authority to forgive sins, but this doesn't mean we can save ourselves through our own merits. Rather, it's a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over all things.

The Sufficiency of Christ's Work

The Bible is clear that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or good deeds, but on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Christ truly wants to save us, but we must believe in him to receive salvation. The idea that we can save ourselves through our good deeds is a misconception that undermines the gospel. As the Apostle Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn through our own efforts.

The Assurance of God's Sovereignty

In the face of uncertainty and doubt, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if we're "good enough." But the Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and he is in control of our lives. As Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them." God knows our future and has a plan for our lives. We can trust in his goodness and sovereignty, even when we don't understand what's happening. As we surrender our lives to God and trust in his plan, we can find peace and assurance in our salvation. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).