Are You Eternally or Conditionally Saved?
If you have ever doubted whether you are eternally saved, the best way to find out is Examine Scripture.
Only God’s Word has the authority to assure salvation.
The Bible Clearly States the Way of Salvation.
Do any of the following guarantee Salvation?
– Going to church – Studying God’s Word – Reciting the sinner’s prayer
– Making an altar call – Raising my hand when asked if I want to be saved.
– Being born in a Christian home. – Having Christian Parents – Water Baptism
– Tithing to my church and giving offerings – Being a deacon in my church
– Teaching Sunday School – Being Catholic -Being Protestant – Being a good person
– Keeping the Ten Commandments – Believing in Jesus
Scriptures Guaranteeing Eternal Salvation Believing: John 3:16 Born Again: John 3:3 Justified: Romans 5:1 Never Separated: Romans 8: 38-39 Believing in His Name: John 1: 12-13 Knowing God: John 17:3 Believe and Confess: Romans 10:8-11 Sealed by the Holy Spirit: Ephesians 1:13-14 Saved by Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 No Condemnation in Christ Jesus: Romans 8: 1-2 The Unbroken Chain: Romans 8:30 The Work Christ Begins He Completes: Philippians 1:6 No One Can Snatch Them Away: John 10:28 A New Creature: 2 Corinthians 5: 17 Whoever Has the Son: 1 John 5: 10-13 Forgiveness: 1 John 1: 9 Sins Forgotten: Hebrews 10:17-18
Foreknown – Predestined – Called – Justified – Glorified
“Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”
Galatians 3:8
Responding to the Gospel
Some of us erroneously believe that if we do not live up to some standard of Christianity by our righteousness, service, or faith, we can lose our salvation. But the Word speaks otherwise.
Salvation is not earned nor kept by reciting the sinner’s prayer, making an altar call, getting baptized, going to church, reading the bible, doing good works, membership in a church, or being Catholic. None of these guarantee salvation. So what does?
After hearing the true gospel message concerning Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, a person believes and receives faith. Upon receiving faith, the person receives the Holy Spirit. Only the gospel message has the power to save
(Romans 1:16).
And once saved, the Holy Spirit keeps that person in perseverance until the day of redemption. (Matthew 16:17)
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus promises that those He gives eternal life to will never lose it. John 10:28
In this life we have trials, testings, and at times we fall or fail and misrepresent Jesus Christ. So if it is possible to lose your salvation, what constitutes its loss?
There are many examples in the bible of Old and New Testament saints who failed to live a complete sanctified life. Jesus did not say If you keep my commandments, you will be saved, but rather, ” If you love me, you will keep them.” Good works are an offspring of our salvation, not the requirement. Furthermore, the word says our righteousness is like filthy rags. But the righteousness in which we are clothed comes only through faith in the One Who is Righteous – Jesus Christ.
Our Identity is in Christ
Neither do our circumstances resulting from our failures determine who we are in Christ. Our identity in Christ comes only through God’s Grace by having faith in the only one who saves, and He is the one who completes the work of redemption in us, and not ourselves. He upholds us by grace through faith.
What He began in us, He also finishes. You cannot add anything to Christ’s Cross. If you do, then you have to keep on adding to it, and it is no longer grace but salvation through your works, not his. His work of atonement for the forgiveness of sin was accomplished on the cross. And it is a finished work.
So what guarantees salvation?
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1: 13-14
SEALED
Christ puts His Seal on Us. Sealed means – it cannot be changed. Kings would use their seal to guarantee a proclamation. Neither the King nor anyone else could open that sealed scroll and change it. What was written was written. And above Christ was written- King of the Jews, and when Pontius Pilate was asked to change it, He said, “ What is written is written. And so it is with God’s Word. His banner over us is LOVE – FORGIVEN.
What He has written concerning our salvation can not be changed by anyone or anything.
So what must we do?
Belief – Confession- Justification
“But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:8-10
Correctly Handling the Word of Truth
2 Timothy 2:15
Some Believers might believe scriptures are indicating a person can lose their salvation, like in Hebrews 6: 4-6. Yet, these scriptures speak about Jews who rejected God’s grace and rejected Christ’s sacrifice, believing their righteousness came through knowing the law.
They saw the work of the Holy Spirit manifested, and were like some of the Pharisees who also rejected Jesus Christ; therefore, since there is no other way in which one can be saved except to accept Christ’s sacrifice, believing in His resurrection, they could not be saved, because they fell away from accepting the truth about Christ’s atonement, and rather, held onto the law instead of receiving His Salvation through faith.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
There are so many examples of people in the bible who were saved, yet sinned, and failed at times to represent Jesus Christ. John Mark (Mark), who wrote the Gospel of Mark, was one of those people. Mark left Paul on one of Paul’s missionary journey, but later was restored. (Acts 13:13, Acts 15:37-39, 2 Timothy 4:11, Colossians 4:10)
Also, the Apostle Peter denied Christ, and even King David sinned and was restored.
So what does the bible tell us about salvation?
Let’s explore these scriptures. First of all, salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift; there is nothing we can do to earn it, and there is nothing we can do to keep it, except to receive it, trusting that the one who gave it also keeps us in it until the day of redemption.
(Ephesians 1: 13-14)
There were times I struggled with this issue because I focused on my sin and failures rather than Christ’s sacrifice. If I was doing the work of the Lord, I felt saved. If I was neglecting witnessing and serving Him, I felt lost. In other words, I was determining my salvation on either performance or circumstances. And when things went terribly wrong, I doubted. I also listened to the accuser constantly pointing out my sins and faults.
(Romans 8:1)
Paul’s warning to the Jews was that knowing the law could not save them, only convict them of their need for the promised Savior. Some kept adding to God’s grace the law and their works. They refused to believe Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was enough. And when we doubt, we do this ourselves.
Finally, Let’s look at the thief on the cross whom Jesus promised eternal life.
What did he do to earn his salvation? He believed and confessed his need for Christ’s salvation. (Luke 23: 41-43).
Are we required to do more? Jesus said, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29
Important Update:
This article was updated from the Original 2015 (by Mary Ahlborn)
A documentary titled: Jesus Calling Investigation will be released on June 26, 2026. You can view it on YouTube. At the end of this article Doreen Virtue, a former New Age Marketer who was converted and saved in her video “Proof Jesus Calling is New Age” exposes what’s behind the Jesus Calling devotionals.
Sarah Young, author of the devotional book titled Jesus Calling, was inspired by two anonymous women authors of the book titled God Calling. The two anonymous authors of this book confess in their introduction the following method of receiving messages from God:
“We felt all unworthy and overwhelmed by the wonder of it, and could hardly realize that we were being taught, trained, and encouraged day by day by him personally, when millions of souls, far worthier, had to be content with guidance from the Bible, sermons, their churches, books, and other sources.”
They admit in the above quote their discontent with guidance from the Bible. They wanted to hear God speak directly to them through channeling his voice in their minds and then writing it down. We know that the Word of God and its revelation to mankind has been sealed. There are no more new revelations or God-Breathed inspirations. The Bible is Complete, God has spoken and given us His Word. The Word says there are not to be any “private” interpretations, and that nothing is to be added or taken away from the 66 books of divine scripture.
Sarah Young copied the method of these two women and relied on messages coming from Jesus by meditating not on the Word but becoming a channel to a spirit counterfeiting itself in the person of Jesus Christ. So why would anyone consult a medium who writes messages in the first person quoting Jesus Christ?
The measuring rod that differentiates between deceit and truth is the Word of God. Truth is confirmed through rightly interpreting the Word of God. Sarah Young, author of “Jesus Calling” devotionals, relies on herself as a medium and then attaches scripture to validate messages she hears as truth. This method is an eisegetical (eisegesis) approach to understanding scripture and is dangerous. It is also known as *Contemplative Spirituality which relies heavily on one’s spiritual experiences rather than the guidance of the Holy Spirit with understanding and obedience to God’s Word.
Scripture: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
In this approach she determines spiritual truth through her own experiences, hearing from something outside of herself, rather than extracting the truth from its scriptural context. Yet the Word explains that scripture was written down as examples and warnings for us in these last days:
Scripture: These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. 1 Corinthians 10:11
Therefore, the examples that God wants us to look at first and foremost are written in the Word of God and not given through any person’s spiritual experiences.
The Word of God teaches that the person of faith should test every spirit to see whether or not it originates from Truth and lines up with the Word of God:
Scripture: “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” 1 John 4:1 Scripture: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 17:17
Testing the Spirit of “Young’s Jesus”
In her devotional on *December 25th Young’s “Jesus” says the following:
“Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby. I set aside My Glory so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions—a filthy stable. There was nothing glorious about that setting, though angels lit up the sky proclaiming, “Glory!” to awestruck shepherds.”
The Jesus I know as related in God’s Word humbled himself and became our servant to reconcile us to God the Father and to pay the price for our sins. Young’s “Jesus” speaks of the place of his birth as an “appalling, filthy” stable. So we are led to believe it was not a joyous occasion for Jesus, but rather he was resentful and prideful of the humble conditions of his birth.
Scripture: “And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. John 3:19 Scripture: “Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2: 1-11
God’s Word instructs all believers to learn how to be content in every circumstance, but Young’s Jesus was not content with His birth:
Scripture: The Apostle Paul said: “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Philippians 4:12
Scripture tells us that Jesus disregarded the shame of even death on the cross. But Young’s Jesus regards the conditions of his birth as filthy. Even God’s servant, David, expresses delight in doing the will of God, but Young’s Jesusgrudgingly (my emphasis) leaves heaven to do His Father’s will to secure our salvation.
I think not. But let’s examine scripture:
Scripture: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:2
Scripture: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” Psalm 40:8 NLT
God purposed the place of His Son’s birth to be in a humble place in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2
Sarah Young’s “Original” Devotional
On August 23rd of her original hardcover devotional, Young’s Jesus speaks of disciplining Abraham for “Son-Worship and idolatry:
“Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father’s undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.”
God disciplines Abraham by forcing him to sacrifice his son, Isaac?
I think not. Let’s examine scripture:
Scripture: “By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”
Hebrews 11:17
Abraham’s submission to God’s will in offering up Isaac was faith in His promise that through Isaac the seed of redemption would come and bring salvation and blessings to the world. That is why Abraham was able to offer him up to God, believing also in Isaac’s and the Savior’s resurrection: Scripture: “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then “we will come back to you” (added emphasis). Genesis 22:4-5
Scripture: “Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together”. Genesis 22:8
Note: In later publishings of Young’s devotional, this entry concerning Abraham is eliminated, alternated by Jesus’ disapproving remarks instead directed towards Jacob’s favoritism of his son, Joseph: Young’s Jesus: “I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.”
What’s the Problem with Sarah Young’s Devotional?
In Sarah Young’s devotional, “Jesus Calling”, she writes from a first-person perspective, speaking Jesus’ words as she believes Jesus has spoken to her, personally. In her Introduction, she mentions being inspired by two anonymous writers of a devotional book called “God Calling”. These two anonymous writers claimed to wait in God’s presence to receive messages from Him and then wrote them down. Their book, God Calling are those messages. Young desired to hear from God using this same method. She desired to be in God’s presence to receive His message. So, she too, would sit with pen and paper waiting to hear from Him (Her Introduction).
Her devotional book, Jesus Calling includes those messages. Unfortunately, many of her readers relate Jesus speaking to Sarah as also speaking directly to them through what she writes. But the truth is; Jesus speaks to only believers through His Word and Holy Spirit, and not through any other mediator.
Scriptures:
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”Leviticus 19:31
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25
In some areas, she generalizes concerning a circumstance and weaves scriptural interpretation through her message: Sarah Young’s Devotional on February 16: “Thank me for the conditions that are requiring you to be still. Do not spoil these quiet hours by wishing them away, waiting impatiently to be active again.” (Young)
This sounds to me very similar to the message of a horoscope. (DF)
Since this is a devotional, then her readers may apply it, maybe, to their present circumstances. Perhaps you might say the reader should not assume this, but if the circumstance occurs for them, might the reader consider it providential?
The problem with this is that she presents herself as a “mediator” through which Jesus is speaking (calling).
She attaches scripture to her messages, following her devotional, rather than placing them first as a basis of application. She interprets scripture within her personal experience instead of understanding scripture within its context. More importantly, she doesn’t mention a relationship with Jesus Christ through accepting the” gospel message” as a “pre-requisite” to hearing Jesus’ voice. This is excluded from her Introduction.
The Danger: I see the danger is her messages can become a quick fix to seeking God’s guidance rather than meditating on the Word of God and waiting on Him to apply His Word to one’s circumstance through obedience.
(Philippians 4: 4-7, Proverbs 3: 5-6, Isaiah 64:4)
She eliminates the importance of personal salvation and a personal relationship with God as a basis for understanding scripture and hearing the voice of God.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
There is safety and strength in praying and working together. Scripture: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12
There is safety and strength in the Body of Christ when we confess to one another our errors and remember to pray for one another. It is my prayer to expose what I believe is a counterfeit of God’s Word, it will be a help and a warning to all who are seeking the Lord’s guidance and Truth.
There are many counterfeits to having a relationship with Jesus Christ, and I believe that Sarah Young’s messages are one of them. May the Lord through His grace and His Word, give you His wisdom and discernment concerning this matter
(James 1: 5-7).
My Testimony
I became a victim of listening to Sarah Young. It was during a time when I was earnestly seeking the Lord’s guidance. Her words were intriguing and there were times I experienced exactly what she said on a given day such as becoming sick on the day she said she was sick (February 16th). The Lord has disciplined me concerning listening to another voice instead of His own. Therefore, I hope to warn anyone who may become so intrigued as I was with this devotional and fall into Satan’s trap. Please read my following testimony:
At the time I came across Young’s devotional, I was prayerfully interceding and relying on God’s Word for guidance and direction on behalf of my sick brother (bone cancer) whom God was restoring to faith. He was earnestly seeking the Lord. I had given him a devotional by Charles Stanley, along with information on how he could access Dick Woodward’s online Bible Study. We periodically would discuss scriptures and how they could apply to His life.
One day, he called, excited to tell me that he’d just received Sarah Young’s devotional, “Jesus Calling” as a gift from a friend. I had never heard of Sarah Young or her book. My brother along with his female companion immediately began reading Young’s devotional. They were so awed by her writing that I decided to download a copy and began reading it for myself. I had never read a devotional where the author writes in the first person, as “Jesus” speaking. My first impression was that it was quite similar to how horoscopes are written. However, I found the devotions intriguing and received much comfort from them. Ironically, I soon began experiencing exactly what the messages described on some of the same calendar days. I continued my own Bible Study, devotions, and prayers but at the same time, I was drawn to Sarah Young’s devotional as I began experiencing what she described Jesus saying in her journal.
On the morning of February 16, 2013, I woke up with flu-like symptoms. That morning I read in her devotional the message about being sick. This odd circumstance seemed “providential” and a confirmation that the Lord wanted to speak to me through her messages. As my brother’s health continued to grow worse and he became terminally ill, I felt drawn even more to her words, portrayed as Jesus speaking. It seemed prophetic as to how she described daily my fears and misgivings through the words of Jesus followed by scriptures.
A month later, at approximately 6:30 a.m. on March 20th, I received a call from my brother’s female companion, telling me that he had passed away. A few hours before receiving that call, I encountered a dark, foreboding presence with a visible message on the ceiling of my bedroom with the words- “free spirit”. What was unsettling was the fact that my brother’s companion used those same words to let me know that my brother had passed away, saying, “Your brother is gone and is now a “free spirit”. The words “free spirit” is “New Age” jargon. And to hear that, instead of, “He was with the Lord”, was devastating. I did not think I was going to recover from this, as this was far from receiving God’s comfort. I became confused and depressed, but I made up my mind to “wait” patiently on the Lord for His discernment and understanding. That is when God showed me through His Word that I had erred in heeding Young’s messages.
I survived the encounter through prayer and the study of God’s Word. Shortly thereafter, I asked the Lord to show me what went wrong, and have received insight from the following scriptures: (Isaiah 8:19-20 & 2 Timothy 4:3-4):
During the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, God’s people were in darkness and were consulting mediums (Isaiah 8: 19-22). The region of the tribes of Zebulon and Naphtali were occupied by gentiles and God’s people were influenced by their pagan practices. However, it was prophesized through Isaiah that in this same region, Jesus would pierce the darkness with His Light (Truth). (Isaiah 9: 1-7, Matthew 4: 12-17).
Jesus pierced the darkness with His Word (light) and comfort, and I am so grateful to Him for His faithfulness to help me overcome this grave deception through the guidance of His Holy Spirit and His Word (Isaiah 9: 2, Psalm 37:23-24).
A year later, early in the morning on the anniversary of my brother’s death, I received God’s reassurance of my brother’s salvation and comfort that he was indeed with the Lord. However, before and even following the event of his death, it was God’s Word that gave me all the confirmation I needed ( John 3:16, Ephesians 1:13, Romans 10:9, 2 Corinthians 1:4).
As far as the person of Sarah Young, I do not judge her. Only God is our judge. I can only say that as believers who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, it is our ministry to lead others to salvation and a relationship with Jesus Christ through obedience and faith in His Word and guidance through His Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:11)
Scripture: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Mark 13:22
*Please join me in praying for Sarah Young, that the Lord will set her free from this great deception. He loves her just as He loves you and me. God’s commandment is to pray even for our enemies. (Matthew 5:44, Ephesians 6:12) *(See Important Update)
*IMPORTANT UPDATE: ( January 27, 2024) Sarah Young died of leukemia on August 31, 2023.
Doreen Virtue, former New Age Enthusiast and Author exposes false Spirituality and how it is subtly interwoven into some modern Christian doctrine. She addresses “Jesus Calling” and how Sarah’s books originated from Spiritual mysticism.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25W
Amazing Love
Recently I saw on the news how a man having an epileptic seizure was thrown involuntarily between the subway tracks just before the train was approaching. Another man without hesitation jumped on top of him, shielding him from the train that ran over and above both of them. They both came out unscathed, and onlookers who witnessed this heroic feat, were absolutely amazed.
One in Christ Jesus
I noticed in politics something that works. No matter the issue, if the party sticks together they win, every time, even though what they support might be wrong. When two or more go rogue they never get much done. That is why I decided to stop supporting my favorite party, financially. Even after achieving a majority there are always a few who will not relinquish their obsoleted opinion for the sake of everyone.
I think you could say, something similar happens, when as believers, we forget that God has called us into one body, and one purpose to glorify Him.
Laying Down Our Lives
I believe when we use our gifts and abilities to serve one another, and promote one another rather than ourselves,, the world sees Jesus.
So much can be accomplished when we lay down our pride and work towards what God would have us do. Jesus said just as He and the Father are one, we are to be one .
There is no hierarchy in the Kingdom of God. Jesus demonstrated true servanthood at the last supper as He washed each of the disciples feet. When we serve one another, we do that to.(Matthew 23:11)
His Commandment to Love
The commandment He has given us is to love Him and love one another. There is no law against love. We win, others win and God gets all the glory. (John 15:12)
So now, how are we to be? Let us look for ways to encourage, admonish, comfort and teach one another according to God’s Word. He has not called us to anything higher than to love one another and to demonstrate this so those who do not know Him will know one thing – He is the God of Love , Mercy and Grace, and whenever we come together in love for His sake, He remains. (Matthew 18:20)
I want to get to the place where I don’t hesitate to cover my brother or sister by laying down my life for theirs. I imagine if we ever get to that mindset, the world will be ablaze with many seeking His Face.
Thank You Lord, that without hesitation you loved us so much, you laid down your life and covered us with your blood sacrifice.
