Perseverence: How can I have assurance I am saved? pt. 4

 Here is the fourth and final question.


4. Is the general trajectory of my life one of spiritual growth? 
2 Peter 1:5-7 speaks of growing in your Christian walk.  Peter goes on to say that if these things are increasing in your life (i.e. spiritual growth), you will avoid being unfruitful in ministry (v. 8).  He then says that if you "practice these qualities" (i.e. spiritual growth), "you will never fall" (v. 10).  Instead, you will be making your calling and election sure (v. 10).

This doesn't mean you never struggle with sin or have times of spiritual decline.  It is to say, however, that your overall trajectory is one of spiritual growth.  Perhaps an illustration from Dr. Jay Adams will be helpful to illustrate what I mean.  Think of a person walking up a set of stairs with a yo-yo in her hand.  As she goes up the stairs she is also sending the yo-yo down and back up into her hand.  That yo-yo has a lot of ups and downs, but the overall trajectory of it is up the stairs.  In a similar way, we may have ups and downs in the Christian life, but a true Christian should see long-term, slow and steady growth in godliness.

I encourage you to take some time and evaluate yourself with the above questions.  Another worthwhile exercise is to study the book of 1 John.  John gives us the purpose of his short letter when he says, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." (5:13 emphasis added).  Go through 1 John and note various "tests of eternal life."  Examine your life honestly before God using those tests.