Can We Know If Someone Is Saved?

Can We Know If Someone Is Saved?

This article critically evaluates the argument presented in the sermon "Can We Know Someone Is Saved?" by Jacksmack77. The sermon makes a bold claim: not only can we know if someone is saved, but it is biblically expected and necessary to know for fellowship, communion, and spiritual partnership. However, upon closer examination, several logical and rhetorical issues emerge.

Jacksmack's Central Claim

Jacksmack77 asserts that believers can and should know who is saved. He emphasizes passages like 1 John 5:13 and Romans 3:22 to affirm that individuals who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation are saved and should have assurance. He goes further to say that others can assess someone's salvation based on their stated beliefs, particularly about eternal security. If someone claims you can lose salvation, according to him, that proves they are not saved.

A Presumptive Argument About Spouses

A striking example of flawed reasoning appears early in the sermon:

> "I've even heard people claim that they don't even know if their spouse was saved. And this is absolute stupidity. And the reason why is because the Bible clearly states in 2 Corinthians 6:14 that a believer is not to marry an unbeliever."

Here, Jacksmack uses a biblical command (believers should not marry unbelievers) to justify a conclusion about real-life situations (that someone who is married must be married to a believer). This is circular and presumes perfect obedience. In reality, people disobey commands, are deceived, or enter marriage under false impressions. Therefore, this logic is not only invalid but dismissive of real concerns and complexities in Christian relationships.

Discrediting Dissent Through Insults

Throughout the sermon, Jacksmack repeatedly discredits opposing views by labeling them as "stupid," "pathetic," or even calling people "idiots." This rhetorical style shuts down conversation and creates an atmosphere of mockery rather than biblical discernment. Examples include:

> "The people who make these criticisms are typically idiots..."

> "This whole stupid concept... doesn't fly..."

> "Being uncertain... is not only stupid, pathetic, and unbiblical..."

While it's true that false doctrine should be challenged, doing so through personal insults rather than reasoned critique harms the credibility of the message and alienates sincere believers who may not share his theological lens.

Testimony vs. Evidence

Jacksmack argues that the only thing we can go by is someone's testimony, yet also says we can assess their beliefs by the "other garbage that comes out of their mouth." This exposes a contradiction: if we rely solely on testimony, then we accept their stated faith; if we use surrounding behavior or doctrine, then we're making judgments based on more than just a simple profession of faith. While it's reasonable to examine someone's gospel understanding, the sermon oscillates between these standards without resolving the tension.

Free Grace vs. Fruit Inspecting

A major thrust of the sermon is to defend Free Grace theology: salvation is by grace through faith alone, and assurance should be based on the promise of the gospel, not fruit or behavior. Jacksmack rightly critiques Calvinism, Arminianism, and Lordship Salvation for tying assurance to works. Yet ironically, his insistence that we must know who is saved for communion and edification begins to resemble the very judgmentalism he condemns.

Conclusion

The sermon contains strong affirmations of salvation by grace through faith and the believer's assurance based on God's promises. However, it also reveals logical missteps and a dismissive attitude toward those who disagree. The argument about knowing a spouse is saved, based on the biblical command not to marry unbelievers, is circular and presumptive. Furthermore, insulting dissenters does not reflect the spirit of correction seen in the epistles.

Clarity and truth must be spoken in love and with sound reasoning. Believers are indeed called to discern doctrine and fellowship wisely, but this should be done without presumption and with a tone befitting those who follow Christ.