How do You Know You're Saved?

I've been thinking about the questions Don Currin raised in this morning's service about knowing within yourself that you are truly 'born again' out of 2 Corinthians 4 and 5.  A knowledge that goes far deeper than just simply remembering  a 'decision time' in your life.  

I remember going to a guy I had talked bad about behind his back and asking him to forgive me.  The look on his face was priceless.  I remember apologizing to my wife for lies I had told.  I remember the feeling I had the first time I heard the song  "It is Well with My Soul" from a church choir; considering I used to listen to and play Ozzy Osbourne's music.  I couldn't get the smile off my face... and I still can't.  I remember how easy it was to say 'I believe in God' but how hard it was to say the name Jesus.  Now He's all I want to talk about.  The word 'God' isn't hard to say... you won't offend a soul by proclaiming it... but say the name Jesus and you'll get some attention... Attention I now want because it is associated with Him.  My closest friends and family are my church... A place I used to avoid.  I am sitting at home alone; my wife and kids visiting their grandmother, and the temptations that once raged within me are not what they once were. Temptation to watch shows I shouldn't, look at web sites I shouldn't, go places I should not go. I'm actually angry at the stuff rather than drawn to it.  Not because I'm some 'New Moral Man', but because I don't want to hurt the One who died for me... I don't want to sacrifice the fellowship I have with him right now; it's not worth it... His presence is everything; not to mention I love my wife more than I ever have and I don't want to do anything to hurt her.  I want to look for ways to build her up...and it makes me mad that there is something out there that wants to tempt me away from what is truly valuable and offer me what is utterly horrid.

Yes...I know He saved me!  The night I cried out and simply said "Help" "Please do something, I can't go on any longer as I am... a wretched, worm of a man who is a lying, self-centered, self-serving slug"... from that night on I have been a new creature. The old things did pass away, and all things are new... and are growing every day.  Praise His name for seeking me when I wouldn't give Him the time of day.  Praise Him for confronting me with my sin...and continually confronting me with it. I would be lost without Him...in every way.

"I shall give thanks to Thee with uprightness of heart, When I learn Thy righteous judgments"

Psalm 119:7   -Scott