Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I really saved?” Maybe you wonder where you would go if you were to die.

Let me assure you that you are not alone. A lot of people question their eternal security and final destination. I’ve been asked more questions about the return of Jesus and what is going to happen afterwards within the past year than ever before. I realize what spurs the questions in peoples’ minds is doubt they have within their own hearts. I attempt to assure people that they do not have to doubt. They can know and rest in the assurance that true salvation brings.

Time after time I’m asked, “How can I know?” Well there are quite a few answers I could give, several questions I could ask, but there is only one way a person can have personal satisfaction about their own salvation. Maybe even now you are asking, “How?”

Has Jesus made a true change in your life? Do you still have an appetite for worldliness and sin or do you have a hunger for the truth found in God’s word? Is there a willingness to give-in to temptation you had indulged in for so long or do you no longer desire to partake in that sin you once enjoyed? What I’m saying is simply that Jesus makes a difference in your life when you surrender your will to His will. So that being said let me ask, has Jesus really changed you? Are you different from the person that you used to be? If not then you are still the same and have never experienced that life-changing salvation.

I love the story of John Newton. If you don’t recognize the name, maybe you will recognize the hymn he wrote, Amazing Grace. The words to perhaps the most wonderful anthem of the church describes Newton’s salvation (I might also add mine as well.) He vividly describes what he was and what Jesus changed him into. He declares that life has its share of toils and snares but it is the grace of God that has brought us safe thus far and it will be grace that will lead us home to Heaven.

Newton’s life as well as his death describes the transforming power that Jesus Christ brings in salvation. On his tombstone today it reads, “John Newton, Clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had long labored to destroy.” This perfectly describes the difference Jesus makes in one’s life.

Friend, I can personally testify to the change Jesus makes. I’m definitely not all I should be but bless His name, I’m not what I used to be. Jesus makes the difference.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.