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→Conclusion: linked - Holy Spirit
* A acceptance of Gods saving grace
* A [[Baptism]]
* A [[Baptism in of the Holy Spirit]], at which point you [[Speaking In Tonguesin tongues|speak in tongues]].
It may be helpful to consider that at the point of conversion the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your life (in other words God accepts your acceptance of salvation and comes to dwell in you. At this point you begin a process of [[Sanctification]] of being set apart for doing the things God has in store for you. This is the next step after your [[Salvation]].
So how can we know the Holy Spirit is resident in our lives (i.e. the seal of our salvation)? Simply put, we and/or others should expect to see the fruits of the Spirit in our lives namely love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control from [[Galatians]] [http://www.bible.org/netbible2/index.php?book=gal&chapter=5&verse=22&submit=Lookup+Verse 5:22]. The desire to be more Christlike in our lives is a sign of the [[Holy Spirit]] at work within us and so an assurance of our salvation.
== Questions New Believers Raise About Their Salvation ==
:''Surely I can't have been saved because x has not happened?
::This is most commonly heard in Churches with a strong focus on [[Baptism in of the Holy Spirit]] and [[Speaking in Tonguestongues]], first re-read [http://www.bible.org/netbible2/index.php?book=1co&chapter=12 1 Corinthians 12] and rest assured that a) there is no distinction given to [[Speaking in Tonguestongues]] over other gifts b) gifts are given by the Spirit as he decides for the common good, if we expect all Christians to exhibit the same gift then we are attempting to take control away from the Spirit c) See 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 clearly Paul thought not all would [[Speaking in tongues|speak in tongues]]. Please, relax and let the Holy Spirit rule in your life, [[spiritual gifts]] are not signs of [salvation] (more accurately maybe they could be called signs of calling and responsibility).
:''I don't feel any different, have I really been saved?
:''If I am saved why are my prayers not being answered?
::Salvation is not a bargain with God, but an acceptance of his [[grace]]. It does not elevate us to being equals with God or allow us to make demands on him. Look at [[Prayer]] and [[HowTo How to Pray]] for some help on the nature of prayer and how God answers.
:''I am still doing y, so have I been saved?
== Conclusion ==
Remember you are not saved by anything you did for God and you are not sanctified by anything you do for God. In John Jesus speaks to Nicodemus and tells him that He must be born anew or born from above. When born from above God endwlls endows you. He is then able by His [[Holy Spirit |Spirit]] to guide, confort, teach, discipline, empower and encourage you in the way He would have you go. You started with Jesus as your focus of trust and belief in order to be saved. Continue your Christian walk with Jesus and He will see to your sanctification. As Jesus makes Himself real to you, you will have no doubt that He has saved you.
{{returnto}} [[Salvation]]
[[Category:Soteriology]]