What evidence do Christians have that they are forgiven and justified?
Christians have no tangible plaque, decree, or visible proof that they are forgiven and justified. They know these realities by faith, resting on the promises of this book. Because the book says it, believers are assured that forgiveness, justification, and redemption have happened, even though these things are intangible and invisible.
Les explains that imputed righteousness, justification, redemption, and forgiveness all fit together to fulfill the word salvation. These things are intangible and invisible; you cannot handle them, lay them out on a table, or analyze them under a microscope. So how do we know they happened? By faith. Les says that is the only way he knows he is forgiven: he has no plaque from God and no decree saying he is justified or redeemed, and neither do his listeners. What believers have are the promises of this book. Because the book says it, they can know it has happened. Les also recounts a lady who was beside herself, and he told her that doubts might come later; she should come back to the verses, claim them, and say aloud that God has said and promised this, and she believes it.