Galatians 3:26-27

Galatians 3:26-27 - You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

        Recently I watched the new movie ‘Left Behind’. This is a remake of an older movie and both are based on a book of the same name. The movie follows the experiences of a family that was divided in their religious views as they went through the rapture.
        In this movie the husband and daughter get ‘left behind’ as the mother and brother get taken to heaven. As the daughter runs frantically around trying to find answers to what has happened she finds herself at her mother’s church and finds the pastor still there.
        At first she is relieved because she thinks that there must be some other explanation other than Jesus returning. He assures her that it was indeed the rapture and he is still there because even though he knew all the right things to say, he didn't believe it in his heart.This, then, brings up the question, “If there could be a pastor who is not saved, how do I know if I truly am?”
        Of course this is just a movie, but Jesus did say, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22-23) So then, how can some people who say they are saved, not be?
        Some of the confusion I think comes from how we teach salvation. We will have an alter call and tell people that if they ‘pray this prayer’ they will be saved. Too often we base salvation on a prayer and whether or not you said it. “I said the prayer, that means I’m saved,” we might say. Does it though? When did Jesus ever tell anyone that their salvation was based on a prayer? Where is that in the Bible?
        As we look in God’s Word we see that salvation is linked to faith and confession (Romans 10:9-10). The reality of it is that it really doesn't matter how many times you’ve said ‘the prayer.’ What matters is what you believe in your heart.
        This verse in Galatians gives us a clear picture of our life with God through faith as it reads, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” It is faith in Christ that brings salvation, and no one can say whether you are ‘saved’ or not, except you and God; no one else can see your heart and what you truly believe.
        I will say this, though, if you believe in Christ and are baptized into Him, then this verse also says that you have been clothed with Him. That means that if you are truly saved you will look like Christ. It is not works that saves you, but your works and actions ought to line up with your salvation. That’s just something to think about.

        The bottom line is this: besides God only you know if you are saved. And if you know it, then you have nothing to worry about; but if you don’t know it, you better figure it out.