10 Biblical Signs You Are Not Saved Genuinely: With Bible References
In Christianity, the concept of salvation is of utmost importance. It refers to the deliverance from sin and the assurance of eternal life with God. While salvation is often seen as a personal and subjective experience, there are certain signs that can indicate whether someone has truly been saved or not.
In this blog post, we will explore several key signs that may suggest an individual is not saved, supported by relevant Bible references.
Mind you, if you’re the one seeking for signs that you are not saved, you’re most probably saved. Especially if you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior, at any point in time. I think you wouldn’t be looking for signs you are not saved if you’re truly not saved. I guess you are simply not sure of your salvation. In that case, you need to learn more about the assurance of salvation.
However, if you’ve not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the One who died for your sin and paid in full your debt to have access to eternal life, then, in this case, you are not born again; and you’ll see most of these signs that you are not saved.
However, if you’re looking for these signs to ascertain the salvation of someone, I would say that you should be careful not to be the judge of anyone. Salvation can be very personal. It is a thing between an individual and God.
Nonetheless, these signs, according to the bible, can serve as prove to confirm if someone is saved or not. And yes, we didn’t leave you hanging, we also got you covered with a post on signs that you are genuinely born again.
Warning Signs You Are Not Saved
1. Unbelief in Jesus Christ:
The central figure of Christianity is Jesus Christ, and faith in Him is essential for salvation. John 3:36 states, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” Those who do not believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior are not saved. Faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation is fundamental to the Christian faith (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
2. Lack of Repentance:
One of the clearest signs that someone may not be saved is the absence of genuine repentance.
Repentance involves recognizing one’s sinful nature, feeling remorse, and turning away from sinful behavior. The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance in Luke 13:3, where Jesus says, “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Without repentance, there can be no true salvation.
True repentance leads to a transformation of heart and a desire to live a life pleasing to God.
3. Absence of Conviction and Assurance:
The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin and provides assurance of salvation. Romans 8:16 states, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
If someone lacks conviction regarding their sinfulness and does not experience the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, it may indicate an absence of salvation. The Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer, bringing conviction of sin, leading to repentance, and assuring them of their adoption as children of God.
4. Lack of Fruit of the Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work within a believer. If a person consistently lacks these traits and there is no evidence of spiritual growth or transformation in their life, it may be an indication that they have not experienced genuine salvation.
True believers will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit as they grow in their relationship with God. Yes, the manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit may not all be seen immediately after salvation, but as a believer gets committed to the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, these virtues becomes obvious in them.
5. Continual Practice of Sin:
While Christians are not perfect and will still struggle with sin, a consistent and unrepentant and intentional practice of sin can be a sign that someone is not saved.
In 1 John 3:9, it says, “No one who is born of God will intentionally continue to sin because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning because they have been born of God.” Genuine believers will experience conviction and a desire to turn away from sin.
If someone claims to be a Christian but continues to live in willful sin without any remorse or effort to change, it raises doubts about their salvation.
More Resources: Developing A Powerful Prayer Life
6. Absence of Love for God and Others:
Jesus emphasized the importance of love in Christianity, stating that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Those who lack genuine love for God and others may not have truly experienced the transformative power of salvation.
True salvation leads to a heart transformation that results in love for God and a desire to love and serve others (1 John 4:7-8; 1 John 3:14).
7. Lack of Desire for God’s Word:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and is crucial for spiritual growth. Genuine believers will have a hunger and thirst for God’s Word, finding it to be a source of guidance, comfort, and spiritual nourishment.
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” If someone consistently lacks a desire to study and apply God’s Word, it may indicate a lack of genuine salvation. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It reveals God’s character, His will, and His promises to His people.
A genuine believer will find delight in reading and meditating on the Scriptures, seeking to align their life with God’s Word and allowing it to shape their thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
8. Lack of Transformation:
Salvation brings about a radical transformation in a person’s life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When someone is truly saved, they are made new in Christ, with old sinful patterns and behaviors being replaced by a desire to live in obedience to God’s Word.
If there is no evidence of genuine transformation and a person continues to live according to their old sinful nature, it raises doubts about their salvation.
9. Apathy Towards Spiritual Things:
Genuine believers have a hunger for spiritual things and a desire to grow in their relationship with God. They seek fellowship with other believers, engage in prayer, and participate in worship and serving others.
Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to forsake assembling together. If someone consistently shows apathy or indifference towards spiritual matters, lacks interest in gathering with other believers, and does not prioritize their relationship with God, it may indicate a lack of genuine salvation.
10. Lack of Perseverance:
True believers persevere in their faith and continue to follow Christ despite challenges and trials.
Jesus taught about the importance of endurance in Luke 9:62, saying, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Those who are not genuinely saved may show a lack of perseverance and easily fall away from their faith when faced with difficulties or temptations.
Conclusion:
While it is not our place to definitively judge someone’s salvation, these signs can serve as indicators that a person may not have experienced genuine salvation. It is important to remember that salvation is ultimately a work of God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
If you recognize any of these signs in your life, seek God, His Word, and prayerfully examine your heart. Remember that God is gracious and merciful, and He invites all to come to Him in repentance and faith, offering the gift of salvation to all who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
In case you need to pray the prayer of salvation, here is a short prayer that will be helpful.