How Do You Know You Are Saved

Men's Bible Study: "How Do You Know You Are Saved?"

Based on John MacArthur's teaching (the linked Facebook reel)

Theme: Distinguishing eternal security (a fact for true believers) from assurance of salvation (personal confidence that you are saved), and examining the biblical evidences of genuine faith.
Format: Watch → Discuss Scripture → Apply as men
Materials: Bibles, the video link, journals/pens

Opening (10 minutes)

• Welcome and opening prayer (ask God for clarity, honesty, and the Holy Spirit’s help).
• Icebreaker (go around the group):
  “On a scale of 1–10, how confident are you right now that you are truly saved? What usually raises or lowers that number for you?”

Watch the Video (8 minutes)

Play the reel:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1660599504970658

This is a concise clip (about 7 minutes) from John MacArthur interviewed by Jonny Ardavanis. MacArthur clearly distinguishes eternal security from assurance and points to the biblical tests that give real confidence.

Quick Summary of the Video’s Main Points (Facilitator shares – 5 minutes)

MacArthur teaches:

• Eternal security is a fact for everyone who truly belongs to Christ. God keeps His own forever (no one can snatch them out of His hand).
• Assurance is the believer’s confident knowledge that he is one of those secure in Christ. It comes through self-examination and the evidence of new life.
• Key idea: True salvation produces a changed life. Look for the fruit, not just a past decision or feelings.

Bible Study & Discussion (35–45 minutes)

Break into the following sections. Read the verses aloud and discuss the questions.

1. Eternal Security – God’s Faithfulness (10 minutes)

Read together:

• John 10:27-30
• Romans 8:31-39 (especially verses 38-39)
• 1 John 5:10-13

Discussion questions:

• What does Jesus promise about His sheep in John 10?
• According to Romans 8, what cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ?
• How does the truth of eternal security give a man strength when he fails, faces trials, or battles doubt?
• Why is it important to separate “God will never let go of His own” from “I can live however I want”?

2. Assurance Through Self-Examination – The Biblical Tests (20–25 minutes)

Key command: 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”

MacArthur (and Scripture, especially 1 John) gives clear tests. Discuss these main evidences:

Test 1: What do you love? (New desires / New creation)

• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• 1 John 2:15-17 (Do you love the world or the Father?)

Test 2: Do you obey God’s Word? (Moral test)

• 1 John 2:3-6
• 1 John 3:4-10

Test 3: Do you love other believers? (Relational / social test)

• 1 John 3:14
• 1 John 4:7-8, 20-21

Additional evidences (as time allows):

• Ongoing confession and battle against sin (1 John 1:8-10)
• Desire to please God and grow in holiness

Discussion questions:

• Which of these tests is strongest in your life right now? Which one challenges you the most?
• As men, where do we sometimes fake fruit (outward religion without heart change)?
• If a man sees very little of these evidences, what should he do? (Be honest here — this is where real men get real.)
• How does ongoing sin or a lack of love affect assurance? How should we respond?

3. Application for Men – Living with Assurance (10 minutes)

• How does strong assurance of salvation change the way a man leads his wife and children?
• How does it affect your work ethic, integrity, and witness in the workplace or community?
• When doubts hit (and they will), where do you usually run — to God’s Word and promises, or to sin, distraction, or self-effort?
• Practical challenge: This week, write down one clear evidence of salvation you see in your life and one specific area where you need to grow in obedience or love.

Closing (10 minutes)

• Personal reflection (2–3 minutes of silence):
  Quietly before God, ask:
  “Do I love what God loves? Am I growing in obedience? Do I genuinely love God’s people?”
  Thank Him for the security found in Christ.
• Share one takeaway or prayer request (optional but encouraged).
• Closing prayer: Thank God for the finished work of Christ, ask for increasing assurance, and pray for fruit that brings glory to Him.

Homework & Follow-Up

• Read the entire book of 1 John this week (only 5 short chapters). Note every test or evidence of salvation you find.
• If you want the full context, watch the complete interview: Search YouTube for “John MacArthur How do I know if I’m really saved Jonny Ardavanis”.
• Recommended resource: John MacArthur’s book Saved Without a Doubt.
• Next meeting: Share what stood out to you in 1 John and how God used this study.