Though the life of a Christian may 'outwardly' appear the same as that of a nonbeliever (i.e. go to school, make a living, get married, raise children, mow the lawn, etc) ... 'inwardly' it is radically different.
When you are saved by grace through faith, Jesus Christ seeks to become intimately involved in every aspect of your life. Those who are not experiencing His presence and are unsure of their salvation are exhorted to ...
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13:5
The Lord knows that there may be times when you feel spiritually insecure as you navigate this lost and dying world. The first epistle of John was written for those who wrestle with doubt and fear ...
I write 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, "
He gives us a series of tests to reveal whether you are secure in Christ ...
1. Do you experience a sense of camaraderie with those who love God? If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
2. Do you recognize, admit, confess, and repent of your sins? If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)
3. Do you strive to obey His commands? Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this, we know that we are in Him. (1 John 2:4-5)
4. Do you 'walk the walk' or just 'talk the talk'? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this, we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. (1 John 3:18-19)
If you can truthfully answer 'yes' to these questions (or if you are experiencing the Spirit's work in you toward that end), your life is bearing the fruit of true salvation.
Know this, pilgrim ... There exists a formidable enemy of your soul. When you received Christ as Savior, Satan began looking for every opportunity to cripple your walk of faith. He whispers this contemptuous lie to your heart and mind ... 'You are unworthy and God has given up on you'.
Foreseeing this, Jesus interceded on our behalf ... I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:15)
Always remember that your salvation is based on Christ's worthiness, not your own. The evidence of your faith is that you are being transformed into His likeness through sanctification.
Through His indwelling Spirit, Jesus continually urges and motivates godly behavior. He reveals and corrects wayward thoughts, words, and deeds. He binds the wounds of the brokenhearted and is the source of lasting joy.
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