How Do You Know You Are Saved and Going to Heaven?

We All Ask the Question—Am I Really Saved?

How do you know you are saved and going to heaven? That’s not just a question people Google — it’s a question I’ve asked myself during some of my lowest moments. Maybe you’ve asked it too. It creeps in after we’ve made a mistake or gone through a spiritual dry spell. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t leave us guessing. He gave us His Word so we can know for sure — not based on our feelings, but on His promises.

Jesus didn’t die on that cross just so we could hope we’re saved. He came so we could know.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life…” — 1 John 5:13

So let’s break this down together — biblically, honestly, and from the heart.

Why This Question Matters More Than Any Other

There are tons of important questions in life — but nothing matters more than your eternity. One day, each of us will stand before the Lord. We won’t be asked how many followers we had, how nice our house was, or how many times we went to church. We’ll be judged by whether or not we truly followed Jesus — according to His truth, not man’s opinion.

This is why Jesus said:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” — Matthew 7:21

So if you’ve been wondering, how do you know you are saved and going to heaven, you’re in the right place. And you’re not alone.

I encourage you to read this article on trusting God in hard times too — it ties right into this journey of truly knowing and walking with Jesus.

What the Bible Says About Getting to Heaven

Let’s cut through the noise and go straight to Scripture.

Jesus made it clear — there’s only one way to Heaven, and it’s not by being a good person or checking boxes.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12

That’s it. It’s not religion. It’s not tradition. It’s Jesus. But what does it actually mean to believe in Him and follow Him? We’ll walk through that in the sections ahead.

If you’re still not sure what prayer is or how to talk to God, I really recommend checking out this simple guide on how to pray biblically. It’s helped so many people take that first step.

Step One: Belief Is Where It Begins — But Not Where It Ends

So many people stop at believing that Jesus existed. But biblical salvation isn’t just belief — it’s surrender. Even the demons believe (James 2:19), but they aren’t going to Heaven.

To truly know you are saved, you must:

1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God
2. Acknowledge your sin and need for forgiveness
3. Trust in His death and resurrection as the only way to be saved
4. Turn away from sin (repent) and begin following Him

This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about giving Him your heart.

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” — Acts 3:19

You can also read why good people still go to hell — because this is one of the most misunderstood parts of salvation today.

Step Two: Confess and Be Baptized — Don’t Skip This

Another step the Bible clearly lays out is baptism. Not as a ritual, but as a response of obedience to what Jesus commanded.

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” — Mark 16:16
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” — Acts 2:38

When I got baptized, it was a turning point. Not just because I got wet — but because I was publicly declaring my death to sin and my new life in Christ.

Want a deeper dive into this topic? This article on what baptism really means lays out the truth many avoid today.

Step Three: The Fruits That Follow Show the Change

You don’t earn salvation through works — but your life will start to show evidence if Jesus really lives in you.

Ask yourself:

• Do I hate my sin and desire to walk in obedience?
• Do I want to know God more through His Word?
• Do I feel conviction when I stray?
• Do I forgive others like I’ve been forgiven?

These aren’t boxes to check. They’re signs of a new heart.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

If you’re still wrestling with sin and shame, don’t miss our article on how God isn’t afraid of your mess. It might be the encouragement you didn’t know you needed today.

Step Four: The Holy Spirit Lives in You — Are You Listening?

One of the clearest confirmations that I was truly saved came from the inside — the Holy Spirit began working on my heart in ways I couldn’t explain.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” — Ephesians 1:13

He convicts me when I’m about to sin. He comforts me when I’m crushed. He reminds me of God’s promises when I forget. If you’ve experienced this nudging, you’re not crazy — it’s evidence of salvation.

And when I struggle or fall short (which still happens), I remember what we wrote here: When you’re weak, God still walks with you. That reminder always helps me re-center.

Step Five: You Start to Hunger for the Word

Before I was saved, the Bible just felt like a dusty old book. After I gave my life to Jesus, I couldn’t get enough of it.

“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” — 1 Peter 2:2

If you’re not sure where to start, we put together a simple 30-day Bible reading plan to help you dive in and grow.

Also, don’t miss our easy-to-follow guide on how to pray — because reading His Word and talking to Him go hand in hand.

Step Six: You Don’t Rely on Feelings Alone

There are days I don’t “feel” saved — especially when I mess up, or when life gets overwhelming. But salvation isn’t about emotions — it’s about truth.

Feelings come and go. But God’s Word stands firm.

“The heart is deceitful above all things…” — Jeremiah 17:9
“Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37

I learned that even when I don’t feel it, I can trust that God keeps His promises. I don’t have to chase signs or emotions to be confident in my salvation.

If this speaks to you, check out this powerful reminder: Trust God in hard times. It might just change your outlook today.

Step Seven: You Begin to Bear Fruit — Real Change Happens

One thing I couldn’t ignore after I truly gave my life to Christ was this: my life started to look different. The Bible says we’ll know a tree by its fruit — and that includes our own lives.

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

I didn’t become perfect, but I saw changes — in how I treated people, how I handled temptation, and in what I wanted from life. This is the kind of transformation Jesus brings when you’re really saved.

If you’re wrestling with past mistakes or current messiness, you’re not alone. That’s why I wrote this from the heart: God is not afraid of your mess — come as you are.

Step Eight: You’re Not Ashamed to Stand for Jesus

This one’s hard, especially in today’s world. But Jesus said something that hit me hard:

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 10:32–33

Being saved doesn’t mean you’ll never feel nervous or afraid, but you won’t stay silent forever. Something in you will burn to share the truth — to say: “Jesus died for me” and you’ll mean it.

I try to reflect this in everything I write, including this recent post: Love like Jesus, even when it’s hard.

Step Nine: You Hold On to the Hope of Heaven

Finally, when you know you’re saved, you stop fearing death — and start longing for your true home. Heaven becomes real. And your heart begins to shift from chasing this world to preparing for the next.

“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” — 1 John 5:13

If someone you love has passed on and you’re processing grief, I shared a heartfelt message here: Rest in peace prayer for a friend. It’s never easy, but we cling to the hope that Jesus promises.