DO YOU PASS THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST?
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5
Without question, the most important issue in life is this: where will you spend eternity? Jesus asked this rhetorical question in Mark 8:36, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Nothing is more critical than knowing your eternity is secure in Jesus.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul challenges the Corinthians to test themselves to see if their faith is genuine—to see if they are truly saved and going to heaven. How about we do the same with a five-part test?
1. The Savior Question: Are you trusting in Jesus (the God-Man) alone for salvation?
Good works are the fruit of salvation not the root. Is your faith in the cross and empty tomb of Christ alone? As the song lyric says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”
2. The Sin Question: What is your attitude toward sin?
Unbelievers leap into sin and love it. True believers lapse into sin and loathe it. Do you feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you sin?
3. The Sanctification Test: Do you have a desire in your heart to obey the Lord?
This does not mean you always obey. It simply means you want to do so, your heart is to walk in His ways.
4. The Spirit Test: Do you have the witness of the Spirit within you?
Paul says in Romans 8:16, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Do you hear the inner voice of the Holy Spirit assuring you?
5. The Sibling Test: Do you love to be with the family of God?
The apostle John says, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14). Do you love the people of God?
If you passed the test, rejoice in the fact that you are a born-again, blood-bought child of God whose name is recorded in heaven (see Luke 10:20)!
If you are not sure “if you are in the faith”, I would love to hear from you and help you settle this most critical of issues.
Please know that the Lord longs to save you more than you can fathom. He died in agony and blood for you—I mean YOU! Jesus said, “All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37). If you have never come to Him, you can today. Jesus will save anybody who will turn to Him in true repentance and faith.
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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