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Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation
With pastoral love and concern, John MacArthur carefully examines classical biblical texts affirming the forever quality of salvation, but does not ignore the troubling passages that seem to indicate otherwise.
From there he shows how those truths apply to you by presenting eleven biblical tests to help determine whether you've experienced salvation once and for all. He concludes by showing how you can match up your feelings with your faith and by taking an encouraging look at victory in the Spirit and the promise of God to help you persevere.
From there he shows how those truths apply to you by presenting eleven biblical tests to help determine whether you've experienced salvation once and for all. He concludes by showing how you can match up your feelings with your faith and by taking an encouraging look at victory in the Spirit and the promise of God to help you persevere.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
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About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,251Ìýbooks1,798ÌýfollowersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. is a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur is a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969, and as President of The Master's College (and the related Master's Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
February 12, 2011
Excellent book. MacArthur offers scriptural evidence (both from the Old and New Testaments) to support his reasoning of secure salvation and to prove that it is, indeed, a Biblical concept. A genuine Christian should never doubt or question their salvation, according to MacArthur, as they're not really questioning their own ability to "remain" a Christian, but they are, instead, questioning God's ability to keep His promises to those who believe on His Son. And we all know God always keeps His promises!
MacArthur also lists several "tests" from an apostolic expert for you to use in reflection to determine if you have been truly saved and, thus, can feel more assured of your salvation. He also concludes this book with ways to help gain victory over sin in your life and reminders that, as Christians, we will always face hardships, but as Christians, we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us endure those trials so that our perseverance will bring about true happiness and the assurance of our home in heaven.
A strong theme throughout this book, and one that Christians should always look to for encouragement, is that God first loved us. It is because of God's love for us that we were given salvation. It has nothing to do with our own works; it has everything to do with the grace of God. And to think that God loved sinners enough to send His only Son to die for their sins - before we were saved, should be enough assurance to a Christian that He still loves us when we fail as Christians, too, and will not abandon us.
I recommend this book for any Christian who finds themselves with doubt at times, or even for Christians who are fully assure of their salvation, as a reference to scriptures to provide evidence for that assurance. God wants us to be happy in our salvation; and doubt only leads to unhappiness.
MacArthur also lists several "tests" from an apostolic expert for you to use in reflection to determine if you have been truly saved and, thus, can feel more assured of your salvation. He also concludes this book with ways to help gain victory over sin in your life and reminders that, as Christians, we will always face hardships, but as Christians, we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us endure those trials so that our perseverance will bring about true happiness and the assurance of our home in heaven.
A strong theme throughout this book, and one that Christians should always look to for encouragement, is that God first loved us. It is because of God's love for us that we were given salvation. It has nothing to do with our own works; it has everything to do with the grace of God. And to think that God loved sinners enough to send His only Son to die for their sins - before we were saved, should be enough assurance to a Christian that He still loves us when we fail as Christians, too, and will not abandon us.
I recommend this book for any Christian who finds themselves with doubt at times, or even for Christians who are fully assure of their salvation, as a reference to scriptures to provide evidence for that assurance. God wants us to be happy in our salvation; and doubt only leads to unhappiness.
July 26, 2013
I was curious to read this book, as the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism, has always seemed to me to have strong biblical support for both sides. Both theologies can point at verses for which a plain reading would confirm their belief. So, for me at least, the determination of who was right came down to who better explains the versus which support the opposition. I would love to find a similar book to this, but taking the Arminian side, but until I find such a book, I'm leaning toward Calvinism. From what I do know of the arguments of each philosophy, Calvanism's explanations for versus which imply a Christian can loose their salvation are more persuasive than Arminian's explanation for verses implying predestination or eternal security. The Arminian explanations, jsut seem to involve more mental gymnatstic in order to haved the plain text of particular passages of teh bible say something
October 15, 2019
Lots of helpful scriptures and questions. This is a good one to keep on the shelf to reference as needed.
Is it a done deal? Is it real? Is it something I can feel?
2019 - A book about theology
Is it a done deal? Is it real? Is it something I can feel?
2019 - A book about theology
April 19, 2023
Saved Without a Doubt was a great read about being sure of your salvation. I loved the Bible verses quoted and how difficult verses were discussed.
The book is a shorter read, yet deep. It was easy to read and I can see myself rereading it again in the future. A favorite quote:
Think about that: if the preservation of salvation depends on what believers themselves do or don't do, their salvation is only as secure as their faithfulness - which provides no security at all. @ 18%
All in all, I recommend this book.
The book is a shorter read, yet deep. It was easy to read and I can see myself rereading it again in the future. A favorite quote:
Think about that: if the preservation of salvation depends on what believers themselves do or don't do, their salvation is only as secure as their faithfulness - which provides no security at all. @ 18%
All in all, I recommend this book.
June 4, 2018
Great book that helped allay my fears! There are a lot of Scripture references. I do think there was an issue that wasn't addressed much, that I would have liked to have seen more about, but all in all an excellent book. After reading the study questions in the back of the book, I realized I don't know the material as well as I should, and will likely be reading the whole book over again, perhaps several times. There are assignments in the back of the book that should be helpful, too, such as memorizing key Scriptures.
Here are some of the many quotes I underlined on the kindle edition:
'Because we do not directly and immediately receive the fullness of all God's promises when we first believe--since it is "reserved in heaven" for us according to 1 Peter 1:4--we may sometimes be tempted to doubt our salvation and wonder about the ultimate blessings that are supposed to accompany it. The work of salvation in our lives remains incomplete--we still await the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23), which will occur when Christ returns for us. Because we have not yet received full possession of our inheritance, we may question its reality or at least its greatness.'
'Our hope is not in ourselves but in our great God, who is faithful. Isaiah described God's faithfulness as "the belt about His waist" (Isa. 11:5). David declared that the Lord's "faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Ps. 36:5), and Jeremiah praised Him by exclaiming, "Great is Your faithfulness" (Lam. 3:23). The writer of Hebrews said, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Heb. 10:23). While continued faith is necessary, our ability to hold fast is founded upon the Lord's faithfulness, not our own.'
'The peace spoken of here [Romans 5] is not subjective but objective. It is not a feeling but a fact. Apart from salvation through Jesus Christ, every human being is spiritually at war with God--regardless of what his or her feelings about God may be. In the same way, the person who is justified by faith in Christ is at peace with God, regardless of how he or she may feel about it at any given moment. Through trust in Jesus Christ, a sinner's war with God is ended for all eternity.'
'Natural human love is almost invariably based on the attractiveness of the object of love, and we are inclined to love people who love us. Consequently we tend to attribute that same kind of love to God. We think that His love for us depends on how good we are or how much we love Him.'
'Do you reject the world? Do you reject its false religions, damning ideologies, godless living, and vain pursuits? Instead, do you love God, His truth, His kingdom, and all that He stands for? That doesn't come naturally to any man or woman, because the human tendency is to love darkness rather than light to mask evil deeds (John 3:19-20). Unbelievers are of their father the devil and want to do the desires of their father (John 8:44). If you reject the world and its devilish desires, that is an indication of a new life in Christ. And since that new life is forever, settle into it with an abiding sense of assurance.'
'I frequently receive letters from anguished Christians who doubt their salvation because they can't seem to break a sinful or unwise habit. They fear their struggle with such things means they are locked into a pattern of sin. But John is not saying that the frequent occurrence of one particular sin in a person's life means that person is lost. Rather he clarifies his meaning in saying that a true believer cannot practice lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The Greek term used there (anomia) literally means "living as if there were no law." A person who rejects God's authority doesn't care what God thinks about his habits and is obviously not a Christian.
A Christian, on the other hand, has a drastically different way of relating to God. He or she is no longer a slave to sin but has offered himself or herself as a servant to the Lord (Rom. 6:14, 17-18). A true Christian can still sin, and may even do so frequently, but sinning frequently (while continually responding in confession and repentance) is not the same as shamelessly and unrepentantly practicing sin. In 1 John, we see that a true believer can do the first but not the second.'
'Now your love won't be perfect, but it will be there. Let that bolster your assurance, for John warned that your heart or conscience might try to incriminate you and make you doubt. The fallen flesh has the capability to play games with your mind. Satan, the accuser of the brethren, may seek to exploit that tendency.'
...The book goes on to talk about answered prayer, belief in Christ, discerning between spiritual truth and error, suffering for Christ, temptations, disobedience, adding virtue upon virtue, knowledge of theology, self-control, focus, not having a victim mentality or sugar-coating sin, use of the Word and prayer, endurance, and more.
Here are some of the many quotes I underlined on the kindle edition:
'Because we do not directly and immediately receive the fullness of all God's promises when we first believe--since it is "reserved in heaven" for us according to 1 Peter 1:4--we may sometimes be tempted to doubt our salvation and wonder about the ultimate blessings that are supposed to accompany it. The work of salvation in our lives remains incomplete--we still await the redemption of our bodies (Rom. 8:23), which will occur when Christ returns for us. Because we have not yet received full possession of our inheritance, we may question its reality or at least its greatness.'
'Our hope is not in ourselves but in our great God, who is faithful. Isaiah described God's faithfulness as "the belt about His waist" (Isa. 11:5). David declared that the Lord's "faithfulness reaches to the skies" (Ps. 36:5), and Jeremiah praised Him by exclaiming, "Great is Your faithfulness" (Lam. 3:23). The writer of Hebrews said, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Heb. 10:23). While continued faith is necessary, our ability to hold fast is founded upon the Lord's faithfulness, not our own.'
'The peace spoken of here [Romans 5] is not subjective but objective. It is not a feeling but a fact. Apart from salvation through Jesus Christ, every human being is spiritually at war with God--regardless of what his or her feelings about God may be. In the same way, the person who is justified by faith in Christ is at peace with God, regardless of how he or she may feel about it at any given moment. Through trust in Jesus Christ, a sinner's war with God is ended for all eternity.'
'Natural human love is almost invariably based on the attractiveness of the object of love, and we are inclined to love people who love us. Consequently we tend to attribute that same kind of love to God. We think that His love for us depends on how good we are or how much we love Him.'
'Do you reject the world? Do you reject its false religions, damning ideologies, godless living, and vain pursuits? Instead, do you love God, His truth, His kingdom, and all that He stands for? That doesn't come naturally to any man or woman, because the human tendency is to love darkness rather than light to mask evil deeds (John 3:19-20). Unbelievers are of their father the devil and want to do the desires of their father (John 8:44). If you reject the world and its devilish desires, that is an indication of a new life in Christ. And since that new life is forever, settle into it with an abiding sense of assurance.'
'I frequently receive letters from anguished Christians who doubt their salvation because they can't seem to break a sinful or unwise habit. They fear their struggle with such things means they are locked into a pattern of sin. But John is not saying that the frequent occurrence of one particular sin in a person's life means that person is lost. Rather he clarifies his meaning in saying that a true believer cannot practice lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The Greek term used there (anomia) literally means "living as if there were no law." A person who rejects God's authority doesn't care what God thinks about his habits and is obviously not a Christian.
A Christian, on the other hand, has a drastically different way of relating to God. He or she is no longer a slave to sin but has offered himself or herself as a servant to the Lord (Rom. 6:14, 17-18). A true Christian can still sin, and may even do so frequently, but sinning frequently (while continually responding in confession and repentance) is not the same as shamelessly and unrepentantly practicing sin. In 1 John, we see that a true believer can do the first but not the second.'
'Now your love won't be perfect, but it will be there. Let that bolster your assurance, for John warned that your heart or conscience might try to incriminate you and make you doubt. The fallen flesh has the capability to play games with your mind. Satan, the accuser of the brethren, may seek to exploit that tendency.'
...The book goes on to talk about answered prayer, belief in Christ, discerning between spiritual truth and error, suffering for Christ, temptations, disobedience, adding virtue upon virtue, knowledge of theology, self-control, focus, not having a victim mentality or sugar-coating sin, use of the Word and prayer, endurance, and more.
June 22, 2019
I am a fan of John MacArthur and have followed his teachings for many years. As such, I purchased this book for someone else but chose to pre-read it to be safe. I’m glad I did. This contains much verbiage and content that not only strays from the topic unnecessarily, but would confuse the a new or weak Christian. It is incredibly heavy on predestination and though that is to be anticipated with this author, it was grossly overdone and I couldn’t understand the reason for that in relation to the topic. If you choose to read this book, I suggest going to the biblical areas he suggests and conducting your own study. Honestly you could skip most of the book and just read the last few chapters.
As for positive remarks, it has the typical biblical roots you would expect from the author. There are several gems in here, particularly in some areas where he translates and quotes other literature.
Overall I would encourage someone questioning their salvation to go straight to the Word of God for the answers instead of sifting through this book.
As for positive remarks, it has the typical biblical roots you would expect from the author. There are several gems in here, particularly in some areas where he translates and quotes other literature.
Overall I would encourage someone questioning their salvation to go straight to the Word of God for the answers instead of sifting through this book.
February 18, 2022
Very academic, not one I could just read passively—I had to make sure I was in a place to really focus on what was being said. Audiobook may have been part of the issue, I think having the scripture references in front of me via print would have helped. But a very thorough explanation of assurance of salvation.
May 16, 2019
Solid exposition.
May 26, 2022
Soteriology from the Grace Church's pastor. This became a must theme for the Christian writers since the Reformation. A theologically solid and answering the doubt concerning this doctrine.
July 28, 2024
Loved it. Simple and to the point.
March 23, 2025
I listened to this one. It was recommended in our bible study group to my husband and I. I enjoyed it. It is rich in scripture and such an important topic the assurance of your salvation as a follower of Christ. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice for sinners, that we can look forward to eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
July 27, 2016
Saved without a doubt is one of the foundational texts from John MacArthur. He is able to cover the topics of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility along with the passages often used to show one can lose their salvation and how when read in context there is no contradiction or issue with God's power to save an individual. He makes it clear that we are also not robots, but have responsibility in the plan of God.
Although the entire text is about salvation and the tests Scripture outlines to ensure you are or are not a Christian, I did not see as much weaving of the Gospel message throughout the book for those struggling in this area. He does touch on it in a few different chapters, but felt it could have been woven more into the text as a Christian would never be weary of hearing the Gospel message over and over.
The book is an easy read and is rather short in general. I would recommend that anyone who has ever, which is everyone, questioned their salvation; this book is for you.
Although the entire text is about salvation and the tests Scripture outlines to ensure you are or are not a Christian, I did not see as much weaving of the Gospel message throughout the book for those struggling in this area. He does touch on it in a few different chapters, but felt it could have been woven more into the text as a Christian would never be weary of hearing the Gospel message over and over.
The book is an easy read and is rather short in general. I would recommend that anyone who has ever, which is everyone, questioned their salvation; this book is for you.
September 20, 2013
You can't go wrong with John MacArthur. His theology is always right on target. This book gives great encouragement to those who doubt their faith in Christ, while giving appropriate doubts to those who should question the validity of what they profess. Excellent resource in security of salvation without being overly complicated.
October 24, 2015
An excellent book about salvation!
April 23, 2018
Look at this insightful quotations:
"Now it is not that believers may be free to sin that God has so soundly secured their salvation. The very purpose and effect of salvation is to free men and women from sin, not to free them to do it."
"Have you experienced communion with God and Christ? Have you sensed His presence? Do you have a love for Him that draws you to His presence? Have you experienced the sweet communion of prayer—the exhilarating joy of talking to the living God? Have you experienced the refreshing, almost overwhelming sense of grace that comes upon you when you discover a new truth in His Word? If you have, then you have experienced the fellowship of salvation."
"That’s because to experience salvation is to be saved from something, and that something is sin. If a person could continue in sin after being saved from sin, that would mean salvation is ineffective. John therefore discussed the work of Christ to demonstrate just how effective it is.
"What about enjoying the privilege of fellowship in general? Do you look forward to being with fellow Christians and talking with them, sharing with them, discussing the things of God with them, studying the Word with them, and praying with them? Do you have a desire to take the resources
Do you enjoy fellowship with God and Christ? Are you sensitive to sin in your life? Do you obey the Scriptures? Do you reject this evil world? Do you love Christ and eagerly await His return? Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life? Do you love other Christians? Do you receive answers to your prayers? Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Can you discern between spiritual truth and error? Have you suffered on account of your faith in Christ? If you pass those tests, you can have confidence before God. After all, John wrote what he did so “you may know that you have eternal life� (1 John 5:13). There’s no reason for you to go through your spiritual experience feeling discouraged, though thousands of Christians do. Please don’t be one of them."
From the book "Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation" by John F. MacArthur Jr.
I Strongly Recommend it!!!.
"Now it is not that believers may be free to sin that God has so soundly secured their salvation. The very purpose and effect of salvation is to free men and women from sin, not to free them to do it."
"Have you experienced communion with God and Christ? Have you sensed His presence? Do you have a love for Him that draws you to His presence? Have you experienced the sweet communion of prayer—the exhilarating joy of talking to the living God? Have you experienced the refreshing, almost overwhelming sense of grace that comes upon you when you discover a new truth in His Word? If you have, then you have experienced the fellowship of salvation."
"That’s because to experience salvation is to be saved from something, and that something is sin. If a person could continue in sin after being saved from sin, that would mean salvation is ineffective. John therefore discussed the work of Christ to demonstrate just how effective it is.
"What about enjoying the privilege of fellowship in general? Do you look forward to being with fellow Christians and talking with them, sharing with them, discussing the things of God with them, studying the Word with them, and praying with them? Do you have a desire to take the resources
Do you enjoy fellowship with God and Christ? Are you sensitive to sin in your life? Do you obey the Scriptures? Do you reject this evil world? Do you love Christ and eagerly await His return? Do you see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life? Do you love other Christians? Do you receive answers to your prayers? Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit? Can you discern between spiritual truth and error? Have you suffered on account of your faith in Christ? If you pass those tests, you can have confidence before God. After all, John wrote what he did so “you may know that you have eternal life� (1 John 5:13). There’s no reason for you to go through your spiritual experience feeling discouraged, though thousands of Christians do. Please don’t be one of them."
From the book "Saved Without A Doubt: Being Sure of Your Salvation" by John F. MacArthur Jr.
I Strongly Recommend it!!!.
July 8, 2023
2.5 rating. This book gave me mixed emotions the whole time. It was confusing to me, a lifelong Christian, and would certainly be confusing a new or young Christian. I agree with probably 2/3 of the book, but a lot doesn’t seem to make sense.
MacArthur refers to pre-destiny A LOT. I got that “once saved always saved� feeling coming from him but in the final chapter he says he doesn’t believe that. He honestly should have led with the last chapter and maybe I would’ve questioned less throughout the rest of the book.
Comments like “we’re not saved by divine grace and preserved by human efforts�, and a strong focus on simply enduring to the end is assurance your saved were questionable to me. I don’t believe your salvation hinges on every stumble in sin but if you don’t make a continual effort to not sin then that is a false sense of salvation. Also, as believers and followers of Christ were not meant to endure only to end. There’s a lot more in between but MacArthur makes it out to be like if you survive some trials you’re saved.
He makes some good points throughout as well, again I agree with most of the book, but I didn’t enjoy the book overall because I was questioning what classifies as secure salvation to him. I just think this book kinda missed the mark. I knew I was saved without a doubt before I read the book, and it didn’t give me any added assurance.
MacArthur refers to pre-destiny A LOT. I got that “once saved always saved� feeling coming from him but in the final chapter he says he doesn’t believe that. He honestly should have led with the last chapter and maybe I would’ve questioned less throughout the rest of the book.
Comments like “we’re not saved by divine grace and preserved by human efforts�, and a strong focus on simply enduring to the end is assurance your saved were questionable to me. I don’t believe your salvation hinges on every stumble in sin but if you don’t make a continual effort to not sin then that is a false sense of salvation. Also, as believers and followers of Christ were not meant to endure only to end. There’s a lot more in between but MacArthur makes it out to be like if you survive some trials you’re saved.
He makes some good points throughout as well, again I agree with most of the book, but I didn’t enjoy the book overall because I was questioning what classifies as secure salvation to him. I just think this book kinda missed the mark. I knew I was saved without a doubt before I read the book, and it didn’t give me any added assurance.
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October 30, 2020Am I really saved?Am I going to heaven?How can I know for sure?
All believers have wrestled with these questions at some point in their spiritual walks. So what answers does God provide to these challenging questions? Renowned pastor and author John MacArthur believes every Christian should enjoy the reality and security of being saved without a doubt. Drawing from a background rich in Bible study and teaching, John examines key scriptures, tackles tough questions, and sheds light on the true nature of salvation. Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to embrace the perfect grace found in Jesus Christ. Saved without a Doubt includes a guide for both personal and group study, which features discovery questions, suggestions for prayer, and activities, all designed to connect life-changing truths with everyday living.
December 17, 2024
I hate to give JMac 3 stars� while this book is written in a way that might help you counsel someone who struggles with assurance of salvation, the writing isn’t going to cut it for someone who is saved but is struggling to find the water tight assurance they desire.
For example, when going through the 1 John “proofs� he will say “if you see evidence of A, B, and C in your life, then you are saved.� A better sentence format would be “If you see evidence if A, B, *or* C in your life, then you are saved.�
This might be nitpicking, but if someone is reading this because they are struggling, they will think “I have A and B [clear and undeniable proof of salvation] but I don’t know if I have C� that must mean I’m not saved.� The person filled with doubt needs more careful words spoken to them.
For example, when going through the 1 John “proofs� he will say “if you see evidence of A, B, and C in your life, then you are saved.� A better sentence format would be “If you see evidence if A, B, *or* C in your life, then you are saved.�
This might be nitpicking, but if someone is reading this because they are struggling, they will think “I have A and B [clear and undeniable proof of salvation] but I don’t know if I have C� that must mean I’m not saved.� The person filled with doubt needs more careful words spoken to them.
May 31, 2019
I started reading this book with the intention of finishing it during Lent. But once I started reading it, I felt to get the most out of the book, it was better to read a section or two per day. I also found it helpful to have a Bible nearby because many versus are constantly being referenced. I felt I got to know Scripture better, that’s for sure.
So if I was to give a summary of this book, I would say this author, through experience, (he is a pastor) Scripture references, and reassurances tells us that as Christians, we are saved. Of course, we still need to live lives of holiness, forgiveness, and love.
So if I was to give a summary of this book, I would say this author, through experience, (he is a pastor) Scripture references, and reassurances tells us that as Christians, we are saved. Of course, we still need to live lives of holiness, forgiveness, and love.
April 14, 2020
A much needed book for today. John MacArthur writes like he preaches here. Perhaps the most valuable chapter is five, Eleven Tests from an Apostolic Expert. The tests from 1 John were written to bring assurance to the believer and to sort the true from the false convert. It should probably be a regular reading for the believer. But the capstone is the final chapter on the perseverance of the saints. I tire of "Christian" movies that portray "believers" cursing God over the death of a loved one. While I am sure a believer would be challenged by such an event, I believe he would surely persevere.
August 22, 2020
I began reading Saved Without a Doubt earlier this week because I am beginning a sermon series from 1 John which will focus on the assurance and security of salvation of the believer.
I didn’t find this book a great deal of help. I was a bit surprised at the obscure references that John MacArthur used to support his message, at least in the beginning chapters.
The substance seemed a bit stronger the further into the book I read. Overall, this book could be helpful to the one seeking for answers and assurance regarding their eternal destination, but is most helpful if the reader endures to the end (see what I did there).
I didn’t find this book a great deal of help. I was a bit surprised at the obscure references that John MacArthur used to support his message, at least in the beginning chapters.
The substance seemed a bit stronger the further into the book I read. Overall, this book could be helpful to the one seeking for answers and assurance regarding their eternal destination, but is most helpful if the reader endures to the end (see what I did there).
May 19, 2023
It's robust and mainstream for Evangelicalism, with a bit of good Calvinism. I listened to it on audiobook, so maybe I missed something, but I didn't find hardly anything to help those who aren't actually saved. I guess that's outside the scope of this book. It's good for helping people to know three things:
Salvation cannot be lost
Whether the reader is saved or not, and
How to experience the benefit of assurance once you know you are saved.
My other issue was that there are apostates who would've read this book beforehand and been comforted by it.
Salvation cannot be lost
Whether the reader is saved or not, and
How to experience the benefit of assurance once you know you are saved.
My other issue was that there are apostates who would've read this book beforehand and been comforted by it.
April 14, 2025
I have not doubted my salvation, but I picked this book up so I may be able to help those who do. I was pleasantly surprised by the clear, compassionate and thoughtful approach of the book. The best part is that it doesn’t shy away from confronting Christians who have incorrect bases for their certainty. Read this book and you will walk away challenged in your faith. Take the challenges to your faith to heart and you will grow.
I recommend this book, theologically sound, well written and containing important teaching. There are better books on this teaching but this is still a good read.
I recommend this book, theologically sound, well written and containing important teaching. There are better books on this teaching but this is still a good read.
August 1, 2017
Although MacArthur insist that salvation is by grace alone he does stress works. I am not exactly sure if he really believes that it is Grace or Grace plus works. He does say God give objective peace to the person who is justified by faith in God. He does say that we are not saved by divine grace and then preserved by human efforts. "Whenever holiness of life does not accompany a confession, it must be understood the person is not a Christian."
June 11, 2024
This is a great book to help you understand salvation. It will also help you learn to live your life as a Christian as a true believer. The Bible obviously is the best source of this too, but this book is can bring comfort to those that put their faith in Jesus Christ but may have doubts about their status of being saved because of their own doubts or they heard false doctrine from someone at church.
December 17, 2017
MacArthur examines scripture and tackles tough questions about secure salvation, being saved, and some common doubts that sometimes arise. I appreciate not only having read and to a lesser extent gone through some of the discussion guide, but also the friend who recommended and lent me this book after a conversation we had.
January 15, 2019
I've been a Christian nearly 25 years, and wrestled with many of the points that the author addressed in this book. I found his coverage thorough ... and reassuring. Having been raised Catholic and saved at a non-denominational service, I particularly appreciated his addressing the misguided and unbiblical teaching that one can "fall from grace."
March 22, 2021
Another must read for young christians i would say. sooner or later, every christian will doubt their salvation, and so every christian needs to have this in their library for those days. it is encouraging and it helps you get to the right path, but it's not just all that. it gets to what salvation really is biblically and guides you to know if you have it.
October 1, 2021
This is such an excellent book; one that every Christian should read - to ensure that they are really saved. This book covers all the ground about your salvation and whether or not you can rest assured that you are, indeed, saved. I had a mild amount of doubt about it because of sin in my life, but after reading this book, I no longer have any doubts. :)
May 13, 2018
So reaffirming! This addresses some of the most agonizing aspects of my spirit. It's great to get the reassurance I needed while also explaining the things I can (and should) be doing to better demonstrate my willingness to serve. A full review to post on my blog in time.
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