WEEK SIX

Find confident hope of heaven. Learn how God secures your salvation, how you can know you have eternal life in Christ, and how to live with joy and assurance.

BY B. GIRON JR.

12/230/2025

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Week Six: How Can I Be Sure I’m Going to Heaven?

We’ve made it to the final week! We’ve covered a lot of ground, but we’re ending on the most important question of all: Can you actually know for sure that you’re going to heaven?

A lot of people even people who have been in church for years live with a "cross-your-fingers" kind of faith. They hope they’ve done enough, they hope God is happy with them, and they hope they’ll make the cut. But God doesn’t want you to live in suspense. He wants you to have assurance.

1. Why Assurance Matters

Think about it: if you aren't sure your sins are forgiven or that your future is secure, it’s hard to live with real joy. But when you know you belong to God, two things happen:

Your heart overflows with gratitude toward God.
You are motivated to serve Him because you love Him, not because you’re afraid of Him.

The Bible is very clear that we can have this confidence:

1 John 5:13
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."

Notice it doesn't say "so that you may guess" or "so that you may hope." It says so that you may know.

2. Two Sources of Assurance

So, how do we get this "know-so" confidence? It comes from two places: God’s witness to us and our witness to God.

A. God’s Witness to Us (The Foundation)

This is the most important part because it’s based on God, not us. Our feelings change, but God doesn't.

God’s Character: God is loving, truthful, and faithful. He doesn't lie, and He doesn't change His mind. If He makes a promise, He keeps it.
God’s Word: The Bible is full of "unbreakable" promises. Jesus said that anyone who hears His word and believes has eternal life and will not be condemned (John 5:24). He also said that no one can snatch His followers out of His hand (John 10:28).
The Holy Spirit: When you trust Christ, God puts His Spirit inside you as a "seal" or a "deposit." It’s like a down payment that guarantees the rest is coming. The Spirit also whispers to our hearts that we really are God’s children (Romans 8:16).

The Bottom Line: We can be sure because God is trustworthy and His Word is final.

B. Our Witness to God (The Evidence)

While the foundation is God’s promise, we also see "evidence" in our own lives that God is changing us. This isn't about being perfect; it’s about direction.

If you’ve truly trusted Christ, you’ll start to see new "signs of life," such as:

A new desire to obey God: You actually want to do what pleases Him.
A love for other Christians: You feel a connection to God’s family.
A hunger for the Bible: You want to hear what God has to say.
A change in your lifestyle: You start to turn away from old habits and toward things that reflect Jesus.
Inner Peace: Even when things are hard, there’s a deep-down sense that you are right with God.

If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? That evidence isn't what saves you, but it confirms that God is at work in you.

3. What About Doubts?

It’s normal to have moments of doubt. Sometimes we don't "feel" saved, or we mess up and feel like God must be done with us. When that happens, remember:

Feelings aren't facts. Your salvation is based on the fact of what Jesus did on the cross, not how "spiritual" you feel on a Tuesday morning.
Focus on the Promise. When you doubt, go back to the verses we’ve studied. Remind yourself: "God said it, and He doesn't lie."
Look at the Fruit. Look at the changes God has made in your life. Even a small change is proof that the Holy Spirit is there.

4. Living with Confidence

Knowing you are going to heaven changes how you live today. It takes the pressure off! You don't have to perform to get God to love you; you live for Him because He already loves you.

You are a child of the King. Your name is written in the Book of Life. Your future is secure. Now, you can live with boldness, peace, and a heart full of praise.

Week 6 Key Takeaways

You can know: God wants you to have 100% assurance of your salvation.
It’s based on God: Your confidence rests on God’s character, His Word, and His Spirit.
Evidence follows faith: A changed life is the "receipt" that shows the transaction of faith was real.
Rest in Him: You are held in God’s hand, and nothing can snatch you away.

Student guide.

Memory Verse #5

1 John 5:11–13
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Today’s Topic: How Can I Be Sure I’m Going to Heaven?

To answer that, we’ll look at two big questions:

What actually happens the moment Jesus enters my life?
Once that’s happened, is there any way to undo it? Can I lose my salvation?

Last week, some of you prayed maybe for the first time to “cross over from death to life,” trusting Jesus to forgive your sins. Others reaffirmed an earlier decision. Some of you are still not ready yet that’s okay. God is patient, and He knows His timing for each person.

The Bible tells us that when a person experiences the “new birth” and becomes a follower of Jesus, at least eleven things become true immediately.

What Happens When Jesus Enters My Life?

I cross over from death to life.
- John 5:24
  “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”
God forgives all my sins.
- Colossians 2:13c
  “He forgave us all our sins.”
I become a member of God’s family.
- John 1:12
  “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
I become a new creation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
God’s Spirit lives in me.
- 1 Corinthians 3:16
  “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”
God’s Spirit anoints and seals me.
- 2 Corinthians 1:21–22
  “He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
I am complete in Christ.
- Colossians 2:10a (KJV)
  “And ye are complete in him.”
God gives me everything I need for life and godliness.
- 2 Peter 1:3a
  “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.”
I have peace with God.
- Romans 5:1
  “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I am totally free from God’s condemnation.
- Romans 8:1
  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
I have eternal life.
- 1 John 5:11–13
  “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

So that’s what God does in you when you trust Christ. The next question is: Can any of that be reversed?

Can I Lose My Salvation?

People often wonder:

“Can I mess this up?”
“Could God change His mind about me?”
“Is it possible to lose my salvation?”

To “steal” your salvation, several impossible things would have to happen. Let’s walk through them.

1. Someone would have to snatch me out of God’s hand.

John 10:28–29
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

You are doubly held by the Son and by the Father. No one (including you) is stronger than God.

2. Someone would have to break God’s seal of ownership.

Ephesians 4:30
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

God has “sealed” you as His own. To undo your salvation, that seal would have to be broken. God doesn’t mis‑seal anyone.

3. Someone would have to remove the Holy Spirit from within me.

2 Corinthians 1:21–22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”

God Himself has placed His Spirit in you as a guarantee. Removing Him would contradict God’s own promise.

4. Someone would have to separate me from the love of Christ.

Romans 8:35, 38–39
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing in all creation (that includes you) can break Christ’s love for you.

5. Someone would have to erase my name from the book of life.

Philippians 4:3
“…Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, **but only those whose names are written

Week Six: FAQ

1. Can anyone really know for sure they’re going to heaven?

Yes. The Bible says you can know.
1 John 5:13 says God inspired John to write “so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Assurance isn’t cockiness; it’s confidence in what Jesus has done and what God has promised.

2. What exactly happens when I trust Jesus as my Savior?

According to Week Six, at least these things happen the moment you truly trust Christ:

You cross over from death to life (John 5:24)
All your sins are forgiven (Colossians 2:13)
You become God’s child (John 1:12)
You receive the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and seals you (1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22)
You are given eternal life (1 John 5:11–13)

These are facts about your new identity, not future goals.

3. What is “eternal life”? Is it just living forever?

Eternal life is more than living forever; it is knowing God personally.
Jesus defined it this way: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3).
So eternal life starts now, the moment you come to Christ, and continues forever.

4. Can a real Christian lose their salvation?

According to the Scriptures in Week Six, no.

To “lose” salvation, someone would have to:

Snatch you out of God’s hand (John 10:28–29)
Break God’s seal on you (Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:21–22)
Remove the Holy Spirit who lives in you
Separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35–39)
Erase your name from the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 21:27)

All of that would contradict God’s character and promises. Your security rests in Him, not in you.

5. What if I sin badly after becoming a Christian?

Your sin can hurt your fellowship with God, your joy, and your witness but it does not un‑adopt you from God’s family.
You are still His child, but you need to confess and turn from that sin (see 1 John 1:9).
God may discipline you as a loving Father, but your salvation remains based on Christ’s finished work, not on a flawless performance.

6. What if I don’t feel saved?

Feelings go up and down. God’s promises do not.
Week Six uses the “train” picture:

FACT: God and His Word
FAITH: Your trust in those facts
FEELING: Follows behind

We live by faith in God’s facts, not by the ups and downs of emotions. Assurance is grounded in what God says, not how we feel on a given day.

7. What does it mean that I am “sealed” by the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 4:30 and 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 say God has sealed you with His Spirit.
A seal in Bible times meant ownership, security, and authenticity.
God is marking you as His own and guaranteeing “what is to come.” You belong to Him, and He intends to finish what He started.

8. How does the Holy Spirit help with my assurance?

The Spirit:

Lives in you as God’s presence (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Is God’s “deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:22)
Reminds you of truth and points you back to Christ

When you sense conviction of sin, a desire to know God, and a growing love for Him and others, those are signs of the Spirit’s work in you.

9. What is the “Book of Life”?

The “Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27) is pictured as God’s record of those who belong to Christ and have eternal life.
Paul talks about believers “whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3).
If you are in Christ, your name is there not as a pencil note God might erase, but as part of His eternal record.

10. Could God ever change His mind about me?

No. God does not change His character or His promises.
Romans 11:29 says God’s gifts and His call are “irrevocable.”
He knew exactly who you were when He saved you and He did it anyway, by grace.

11. What about Bible passages that warn about “falling away”?

Warning passages are real and serious they remind us that pretending faith is not the same as possessing faith.
But Scripture also teaches that those who truly belong to Christ are kept by God’s power and will persevere.
The warnings challenge us to examine ourselves honestly, keep trusting Christ, and not play games with God.

12. How can I tell if my faith is real?

Ask questions like:

Do I trust Jesus alone for my salvation not myself or my good works?
Do I see any change over time in my attitudes, desires, or behavior?
Do I care when I sin, and do I come back to God in repentance?

None of this is about perfection, but about a new direction powered by God’s Spirit.

13. What’s the difference between “doubts” and “unbelief”?

Doubts are questions you bring to God.
Unbelief is a decision to turn away from God and refuse to trust Him.

Many faithful Christians have struggled with doubts. The key is what you do with them bring them to Scripture, prayer, and wise believers rather than letting them pull you away.

14. If my salvation is secure, why shouldn’t I just live however I want?

Because salvation doesn’t just change your destination; it changes your heart.
When you truly grasp what Jesus did for you, it moves you toward gratitude and obedience, not apathy and rebellion.
Your security is not a license to sin it’s a foundation for loving God back with your life.

15. What if I don’t remember the exact day or prayer when I was saved?

That’s okay. The question is not “Do I remember a date?” but:

Am I trusting Jesus Christ right now?
Do I believe He died and rose for me, and have I entrusted myself to Him?

Many believers came to faith gradually and don’t have a single “anniversary.” Assurance rests on Christ and your present trust in Him.

16. Can someone else take my salvation away from me?

No. Jesus says, “No one can snatch them out of my hand … no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:28–29).
That includes other people, spiritual enemies, and even you on your worst day.
You are held by God’s grip, not your own.

17. How does 1 John 5:11–13 help me with assurance?

That passage gives a simple “equation”:

God has given us eternal life
This life is in His Son
Whoever has the Son has life

If you have Jesus, you have eternal life. John says this so “you may know that you have eternal life,” not simply wish or guess.

18. What should I do when I start doubting my salvation?

Go back to God’s promises, especially John 5:24; John 10:28–29; Romans 8:1; 1 John 5:11–13
Talk honestly with God about your doubts
Confess any known sin and ask Him to restore your joy
Talk with a mature Christian or leader who can pray with you

Keep bringing your doubts to the facts of God’s Word, not to the roller coaster of your feelings.

19. What if someone says, “No one can really be sure they’re going to heaven”?

You can gently point them to Scriptures like 1 John 5:13 and John 5:24, where God Himself says you can know.
Assurance is not based on thinking we’re good enough; it’s based on trusting that Jesus is enough and that God keeps His Word.

20. How can I help someone else gain assurance of salvation?

Walk them through key verses (John 3:16; John 5:24; John 10:27–29; Romans 8:1; 1 John 5:11–13).
Ask what (or whom) they are relying on for salvation—Christ alone, or Christ plus something.
Encourage them to express their trust in Christ in prayer.
Remind them that their assurance rests on God’s character, Christ’s finished work, and God’s promises, not on their performance or emotions.

Conclusion

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Congratulations! You’ve spent the last six weeks exploring the most important questions a person can ever ask. We’ve looked at the reliability of the Bible, the uniqueness of Jesus, the reality of the Resurrection, the problem of sin, and the incredible gift of salvation and assurance.

But here is the most important thing to remember: Christianity isn’t a six-week course; it’s a lifelong relationship.

What’s Next?

Now that you have a foundation, you might be wondering, "Where do I go from here?" Growth in the Christian life is like a journey—it happens one step at a time. Here are four practical ways to keep moving forward:

1. Keep Talking to God (Prayer)
You don’t need fancy words or a religious script. Just talk to God like you would a friend. Thank Him for what He’s doing, tell Him what you’re worried about, and ask Him for help. He is always listening.

2. Keep Listening to God (The Bible)
The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking to us. If you aren’t sure where to read next, try the Gospel of John or the Book of Romans. Don’t worry about understanding everything at once—just look for one thing each day that helps you know Jesus better.

3. Find Your People (Community)
Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo sport. We need other people to encourage us, challenge us, and walk with us. If you aren’t already part of a healthy, Bible-teaching church or a small group, make that your next priority.

4. Live it Out (Obedience)
As you learn more about what God wants for your life, start putting it into practice. Whether it’s how you treat people at work, how you handle your finances, or how you face your fears, let your faith change the way you live.

A Final Thought

You will still have bad days. You will still have questions. You might even have moments where you feel like you’ve taken two steps back.

When that happens, remember the foundation we built in Week 6: Your relationship with God doesn’t depend on your perfect performance; it depends on Jesus’ perfect work.

He started this work in you, and He is faithful to finish it.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Philippians 1:6

Thank you for going on this journey with us. We are praying that your relationship with Jesus grows deeper, stronger, and more joyful every single day.