What must be present in a believer's life to have assurance of salvation?

The presence of the fruit of the Spirit in a believer's life is essential for providing assurance of salvation because it reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in one's heart and life. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are the natural outcome of a genuine relationship with Christ and indicate that a believer is living in alignment with God's will.

When a believer exhibits the fruit of the Spirit, it serves as an internal confirmation of their faith and the outward evidence of their commitment to Christ. This alignment with the character of God fosters a sense of assurance because it demonstrates that the individual is not merely professing faith but is also experiencing spiritual growth and transformation in their daily life. This growth reassures the believer that they are indeed saved, as they reflect the nature of Christ in their actions and attitudes.

Furthermore, while evidence of good works, spiritual gifts, and public acknowledgment of faith may be important aspects of a believer's life, they do not directly provide the same assurance of ongoing, genuine spiritual transformation that the fruit of the Spirit does. Good works and spiritual gifts can be