Testifies

Romans 8:16 (NASB)

The Spirit Himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God's Children.

How does a believer know that he is saved? Is it based on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in us? Is it based on what believers say about us (Matthew 16: 13-16)? Is it dependent on a pastor or priest's certificate of conduct? No. It is based on God's testimony as the Holy Spirit testifies (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6). The fruit of the Spirit is a witness for others and the lost so that the light of the Lord Jesus Christ can shine through us (Matthew 5:15). Having a word of confidence from one's pastor or priest is good. But that is not what saves us. Many pastors and congregations profess to be the only accurate denomination or Church that can precisely and accurately lay the path to salvation. Many of them will have you rebaptized in their congregation to be conformed to their theology, not necessarily to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is also not uncommon for members of one congregation to be refused communion or marriage if they go to another denomination or congregation. Catholics think all protestants are heretics, while evangelicals hit back, saying that the Pope and catholicism are of the devil. So, if one were to have an evangelical pastor's certificate regarding their baptism or salvation, they would certainly be denied entry into a Catholic, Orthodox, or Lutheran congregation. This is truly sad and a disgrace to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). The only guaranteed assurance that a believer has and needs regarding his salvation is the witness of the blessed Holy Spirit, who testifies to our Spirit regarding the indwelling grace of God. Everything else is both irrelevant and insignificant.