Saved When I Was 13? (Part 2)

Comforting Lies: Why “You’re Saved Now” May Be the Most Dangerous Words You Ever Heard

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 7:21

Few things feel more comforting than being told, “You’re a Christian now.” Especially when it comes from a trusted authority, such as a pastor, parent, counselor, or youth leader. But Scripture never grants assurance that cheaply.

In fact, Jesus repeatedly strips comfort away.

The people He describes in Matthew 7 are not rebels. They are religious. They use correct language. They call Him “Lord.” They point to ministry involvement and spiritual activity. And they are utterly shocked when He rejects them.

Comfort did not save them. Confidence did not save them. Sincerity did not save them. Why? Because they rested in what they had done rather than in what God had done.

Modern decisionism thrives because it feels merciful. It avoids awkward conversations. It reassures quickly. It hates leaving people unsettled. But Scripture is not in the business of emotional management. It is in the business of truth.

There is no verse in the Bible where someone is told they are saved because they repeated words. None. The apostles never offer instant assurance detached from fruit, repentance, or perseverance.

Jesus defines true discipleship with a word modern Christianity avoids: continuance. “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples” (John 8:31). Temporary belief exists. Emotional response exists. But saving faith endures because it is alive. The flesh hates this. The flesh wants a transaction. A receipt. A moment that can never be questioned. But Scripture refuses to cooperate. James says faith without works is dead; not weak, not immature, but dead. A corpse can look intact for a time. But it has no life.

The most dangerous form of comfort is false assurance. It vaccinates people against the gospel. It convinces them they have already received what they have never actually sought; repentance and mercy.

If your assurance rests on someone telling you “you’re saved now,” rather than on Christ ruling you now, Scripture offers no comfort; only exposure.

So ask yourself honestly:

If your assurance were stripped of that one moment, would anything remain?