Stay True with Madison Prewett Troutt
Episode Title: Am I Really Saved?
Release Date: February 24, 2025

Introduction to the Episode’s Topic

In this profound episode of "Stay True", host Madison Prewett Troutt delves deep into one of Christianity's most pressing questions: "Am I Really Saved?" Together with her co-host Grant, Madison explores the essence of salvation, the transformative journey of faith, and how believers can confidently know their eternal destiny.

Personal Announcements

Before embarking on the theological discussions, Madison shares joyful personal news with her listeners:

• Madison ([02:19]): "I am still pregnant as we're recording this episode, but by the time it comes out, she will be."
• The duo announces that this will be their last episode for three weeks as Madison goes on maternity leave, encouraging listeners to revisit past episodes or await new content eagerly.

Understanding Salvation

The conversation swiftly transitions into defining and understanding salvation:

• Madison ([06:31]): "How do I know if I'm really a Christian? How do I know if I'm saved?"
• Grant ([07:23]): "Satan's cool with both extremes—fearful doubt or false confidence. He wants to keep you in one of two extremes."

They emphasize that salvation isn't merely a one-time confession but an ongoing relationship and transformation.

Biblical Insights and Scriptures

Madison and Grant draw extensively from the Bible to elucidate their points:

1. Romans 10:9-10

   • Madison ([12:52]): "Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead."

2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

   • They dissect the parable, highlighting the importance of a genuine relationship with God over mere adherence to religious duties.

3. Mark 1:15

   • Grant ([13:48]): "Repent and believe. Let go of the old and embrace the new Savior."

4. John 14:6

   • Madison ([18:30]): "Jesus says, 'I am the way, the truth, the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

5. 2 Corinthians 5:21

   • Madison ([24:14]): "Jesus became sin for us so that we might take on His righteousness."

6. Galatians 5:25

   • Grant ([35:26]): "The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control."

7. James 5:16

   • Madison ([56:23]): "When you confess to your brothers and sisters in Christ, and they pray for you, you experience healing and freedom."

Differentiating Belief and Transformation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to distinguishing between superficial belief and true transformation:

• Grant ([16:31]): "Action always follows belief. Saying 'I believe' without transformation is akin to demonic belief."

• Madison ([36:04]): "It's not about who you were in your flesh, but who Christ is in you."

They discuss the 0-10 Assurance Question, a tool to gauge one's confidence in salvation:

• Grant ([46:50]): "It's either a 10 or a 0. There's no middle ground because Jesus didn't die for just part of your sins."

• Madison ([49:06]): "You can confidently say, 'I am going to heaven if I die today,' based on Jesus' finished work on the cross."

The 0-10 Assurance Question

Madison and Grant introduce and explore the 0-10 Question to assess one's assurance of salvation:

1. Question: On a scale of 0 to 10, how sure are you that you would go to heaven if you died today?
2. Insights:
   • Most listeners might find themselves rating between 5-8, indicating uncertainty.
   • True assurance comes from fully trusting Jesus' complete sacrifice, not fluctuating self-assessments.

• Grant ([46:50]): "It's not arrogant to say you're a 10; it's acknowledging the grace freely given."

Practical Steps for Confirming Salvation

The episode doesn't stop at theory; it provides actionable steps for believers to confirm and deepen their faith:

1. Community and Accountability

   • Madison ([56:23]): "Getting involved with a community group and local church provides accountability and encouragement."
   • Grant ([57:05]): "Christianity is meant to be lived in community, not solitude."

2. Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer and Worship

   • Madison ([59:06]): "Prayer started awkward for me but became an intimate relationship with God."
   • Grant ([58:53]): "Using Scripture as a sword to fight temptation strengthens spiritual growth."

3. Abiding in Christ

   • Madison ([36:58]): "John 15 teaches us to abide in Him to bear lasting fruit."
   • Grant ([37:00]): "Bearing good fruit is a sign of living under Christ's lordship."

Community and Accountability

Emphasizing the importance of fellowship:

• Madison ([56:23]): "Confessing sins within a community leads to healing and accountability."
• Grant ([57:05]): "Being part of a community ensures you're not navigating your faith journey alone."

Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer and Worship

Deep dives into cultivating a vibrant spiritual life:

• Prayer: Starting as an awkward practice, it evolves into a continuous, intimate conversation with God.

  • Madison ([59:13]): "Prayer became like speaking with a friend, not a distant deity."

• Worship: Moving beyond routine to heartfelt gratitude and adoration.

  • Madison ([62:24]): "Prayer and worship are essential for staying connected and fruitful in faith."

Conclusion and Salvation Prayer

The episode culminates in a heartfelt salvation prayer, inviting listeners to make a personal commitment:

• Grant ([62:27]): "If you're ready, close your eyes and pray this prayer to receive Jesus."

Salvation Prayer:

"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that I've done some things and I've messed up. But what I do know is that you sent your son to be the Savior, and your son went to the cross and he paid for my sins, and he did not stay in the grave. But three days later, he rose from that grave and defeated my sin. And, Lord, your word says that if I believe in that with my heart and I confess it with my mouth, I will be transformed. Lord, I don't want this to be another prayer that I pray. I want this to be the start of a new life in Christ. So, Lord, I receive your Holy Spirit, and I ask that your Holy Spirit begin to produce the fruit in me to confirm that I know that I am a follower of Jesus Christ, Lord. I know it's not going to be perfect, but I know that it's a continual process of following you. God, would you give me the strength to make this decision? In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen."
Madison ([64:23]): "Amen."

Listeners who pray this prayer are warmly welcomed into the faith community, celebrating their decision to follow Christ.

Final Thoughts

Madison and Grant wrap up the episode by reaffirming the importance of understanding and embracing salvation fully. They encourage continuous growth, community involvement, and maintaining a vibrant relationship with Jesus. As they announce their temporary departure for maternity leave, they leave listeners with an invitation to stay true to their faith and look forward to future episodes.

• Madison ([64:25]): "Welcome to the family. We're rejoicing with you and we love you guys so much."

Notable Quotes:

• Grant ([00:05]): "Even the demons believe. Everyone's cool with God until you say the word Jesus."
• Madison ([13:06]): "It's both an inward transformation and an outward confession and following."
• Grant ([35:26]): "The Spirit produces joy in you. It's not you producing it in yourself."
• Madison ([37:05]): "We can't do it apart from Him. Abiding in Him leads to lasting fruit."
• Grant ([46:50]): "You can't be arrogant in something that was just freely given to you."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for believers seeking assurance in their salvation, blending personal testimonies with deep theological insights to inspire and educate.