Question: I’ve heard people talk about when they were saved; they can tell you the exact time, place, and details about when the event took place. I can’t say I’ve ever had such an experience, but I do know God has always been in my life. As far back as I can remember I have believed in Jesus, there never was or has been a time I didn’t believe. Would you please comment on this issue? How do you know you are saved?

Wayne

Answer: Dear Wayne,

This question seems to be answered either vaguely or definitively according to the church/denominational traditions and expectations one has been exposed to – or lack thereof. Some speak of an exact calendar date and a precise location as being the time when they accepted Jesus Christ – others however, like yourself, cannot pinpoint an exact time and place, but instead speak of a gradual and growing relationship with God.

The Bible does not insist upon one experience, or hold one experience above the other (although there are humans who do, of course!).

Knowing that you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is not, of course, subject to scientific methods of proof – but instead lies in the area of faith and belief. The knowing of faith is not the same as the knowing of science – and cannot be subjected to the same methodology. Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is an act of faith, trust, and belief – and knowing that we have done so is also an act of faith.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht