I have had a number of young people come to me the past few years with concerns as to whether or not they are truly saved. Some of them truly seemed to be worked up about the issue while others didn't seem to take it to serious at all. I'd like to think, although its no guarantee, that those who are seemingly bent up over this issue are likely positionally redeemed, yet emotionally confused.
As believers we have a tendency to do 1 of 2 things.
1) We make salvation way too hard.
2) We make salvation way too easy.
I'd like to allow scripture to speak to this issue. One book in particular. The wonderful book of 1 John. As I read through this wonderful work, I have found 10 tellers as to what a believer looks like. I encourage all who may be wrestling with this issue to honestly compare themselves with this list. And let the outcome be that as it may. Just be sure to take the appropriate action after your assessment is complete.
1. Do you walk in light? Both moral light and intellectual light. (1 John 1.6-7)
2. Do you admit to being a sinner? (1 John 1.8 - 2.8)
3. Do you keep the commandments of the Lord Jesus? (1 John 2.3-5)
4. Do you love fellow believers? (1 John 2.9-11)
5. Do you love the sinful things of this world? (1 John 2.15-17)
6. Have you left the faith and denied Christ? (1 John 2.18-23)
7. Do you make a habit of committing various sins? (1 John 3.4-10)
8. Do you believe that Jesus is 100% man? (1 John 4.2-3)
9. Are you in agreement with the apostles in matters of doctrine or do you deny parts of scripture? (1 John 4.4-6)
10. Do you believe that Jesus is 100% God? (1 John 4.13-15)
If you can answer these questions with a genuine heart, you will have a good beat on your spiritual pulse (or lack there of). To be sure these questions could be taken at an even more in-depth level, however I think this is a good starting point. Be honest with them and read the book of 1 John. Allow the text give you a true analysis of your spiritual condition. Not your emotions. And if the Lord reveals an unsaved heart, repent and follow Jesus. If the Lord reveals a redeemed heart, press on in producing fruit in keeping with repentance!
As believers we have a tendency to do 1 of 2 things.
1) We make salvation way too hard.
2) We make salvation way too easy.
I'd like to allow scripture to speak to this issue. One book in particular. The wonderful book of 1 John. As I read through this wonderful work, I have found 10 tellers as to what a believer looks like. I encourage all who may be wrestling with this issue to honestly compare themselves with this list. And let the outcome be that as it may. Just be sure to take the appropriate action after your assessment is complete.
1. Do you walk in light? Both moral light and intellectual light. (1 John 1.6-7)
2. Do you admit to being a sinner? (1 John 1.8 - 2.8)
3. Do you keep the commandments of the Lord Jesus? (1 John 2.3-5)
4. Do you love fellow believers? (1 John 2.9-11)
5. Do you love the sinful things of this world? (1 John 2.15-17)
6. Have you left the faith and denied Christ? (1 John 2.18-23)
7. Do you make a habit of committing various sins? (1 John 3.4-10)
8. Do you believe that Jesus is 100% man? (1 John 4.2-3)
9. Are you in agreement with the apostles in matters of doctrine or do you deny parts of scripture? (1 John 4.4-6)
10. Do you believe that Jesus is 100% God? (1 John 4.13-15)
If you can answer these questions with a genuine heart, you will have a good beat on your spiritual pulse (or lack there of). To be sure these questions could be taken at an even more in-depth level, however I think this is a good starting point. Be honest with them and read the book of 1 John. Allow the text give you a true analysis of your spiritual condition. Not your emotions. And if the Lord reveals an unsaved heart, repent and follow Jesus. If the Lord reveals a redeemed heart, press on in producing fruit in keeping with repentance!