“One wonders how many members in our churches today assume that they are saved when in fact they treat Jesus’ teachings lightly – people who give no thought to their temper, their mental chastity, their integrity and so forth during the week (compare 5:21-48), then pretend to be religious or even spiritually gifted in church. Do we have the courage to communicate Jesus’ message as clearly as he meant it to be conveyed, to warn ourselves and others that it is possible for people to assume they are saved and yet be damned? Some texts in the Bible provide assurance to suffering Christians that the kingdom is theirs; this text challenges “cultural Christians,” those following only Christian tradition rather than Christ himself, to realize that they need conversion.” ~ Craig Keener, Matthew, IVP New Testament Commentary Series
Are you Really Saved?
- Am I Really a Christian? by Mike McKinley
- Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance & Assurance by Thomas R. Schreiner
- The Assurance of Faith: The Firm Foundation of Christian Hope by Louis Berkhof