Examining Yourself: The Path to Saving Faith
In our walk of faith, as mentioned in our previous 2 blog posts, it is important to take the time to examine ourselves, to ensure that our faith is genuine and not just wishful thinking or presumption. The same is true regarding our bodies. It does us well to have regular physical checkups. It can be dangerous, even deadly, to ignore the conditions of our bodies. If life-threatening diseases are not found in time, cures can be costly, if not unattainable. The Bible encourages us to examine ourselves and provides us with guidelines to discern if we have true saving faith. This short post will explore three key questions to help you in this self-evaluation process.
I. Do You Have Actual Faith in Jesus?
Having actual faith in Jesus is the foundation of our relationship with Him. It is not merely acknowledging Him as a good idea or a moral teacher, but believing in Him (Christ alone) for our salvation. True faith means understanding our sinful nature, recognizing our need for a Savior, and wholeheartedly trusting in Christ alone for our redemption. This faith is not based on our good works or religious rituals but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. It involves actual repentance, surrender, and a heartfelt belief that Jesus is Lord and has paid our penalty on the Cross, died, and risen again. Actual faith in the Gospel results in Jesus Christ being the actual center of our lives.
NB: Many today believe in a Jesus of their own imagination. Many believe in Jesus to make their life better but have never come to grips with the reality that Jesus is Lord and Savior and we need to come to Him first and foremost for salvation of our sins and the righteous wrath of God the Father.
II. Do You Have the Interior Witness?
Another important aspect of examining ourselves is looking for the interior witness of the Holy Spirit. This subjective experience may be hard to explain, but it is real. It involves the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. The personal examination can sometimes be fallible, but the witness of the Holy Spirit is infallible. It reassures us of our salvation, confirming that we belong to Christ and no one can snatch us out of His hands. The true Christian is an actual new creature in Christ and is indwelled by God the Holy Spirit! It's mysterious, but very real and undeniable to all those who have been born of God!
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, - Romans 8: 15-16
III. Do You Have Constant Growth?
Genuine faith is not stagnant or complacent; it is characterized by constant growth. Like a plant that keeps growing and a tree that establishes roots, our faith should be continually developing. This growth involves developing affection for the things of God. We should have a growing love for God, the Church, and the Word of God. Our affection for truth, justice, and others should also deepen. Additionally, we should develop a growing hatred for sin and a transformed purpose and values aligned with Christ.
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. - 2 Peter 3: 17-18
Examining ourselves is not meant to be a source of anxiety or doubt, but rather an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth. By honestly answering these three questions, we can gain clarity regarding our faith; whether it is saving and true faith or not. It is important to remember that faith is a journey, and we may experience seasons of strength and weakness. However, if we find evidence of actual faith in the real Jesus, the interior witness of the Holy Spirit, and constant growth, we can have confidence in our salvation and be useful in leading others to saving faith in Christ. Let us continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and live out our faith with purpose and conviction.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. — Mt. 5: 14-16
Written by Jesse Schreck | servant of the Lord, founder, director, and missionary church planter with Practical Missions Cohort
To hear more about the Gospel message for leading others to Christ, check out The Gospel.
This post was created from this highlight of Missions Incorporated, the podcast of PMc. Check it out to hear more!
