Jan 26 / Bill Ricksecker

How can I know my Christian faith is Authentic?

All over the world there are professing christians and even less posessing Christians. Many believe acknowledging the reality of Jesus Christ it immediately puts them into the Christian Body. This can be a very dangerous mindset because not all who profess the faith, possess the Holy Spirit.
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“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many powerful deeds in your name?’ 23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!

Matthew 7:21-23
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When Jesus speaks these words, He is addressing the Pharisee's self-righteousness and a strong warning to all His disciples. We can profess Jesus as Lord, but without the transformative work of the Holy Spirit residing within us, our words mean nothing. According to Jesus Christ there will be and are people who claim to be Christians, but in reality are lawbreakers. Some translations call them workers of lawlessness, or inequity. A person still in their sin and never had a true repentance.
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"Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless, indeed, you fail the test!"

2 Corinthians 13:5
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At first glance, these words may sound offensive. What right does anyone have to challenge my faith as genuine? We should all take encouragement from this, Paul is not challenging our faith but rather instructing us to challenge ourselves. If need needed, see that those who fail the test would repent and pursue true righteousness.

How can I test myself?

There are several important factors when evaluating the sincerity of our faith. Below is a short list (not exhaustive) of things we should reflect on when knowing if we truly in the Christian faith.

Repentance of Sin: Judas felt a sense of remorse for his sins, but never once repented. True repentance is not an emotional experience. It is a state of mind in which we not only recognize our guilt but turn from those sins and seek after Jesus Christ’s righteousness

The one who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses them and forsakes them will find mercy.” Proverb 28:13

Devotion to Gods Glory: True believers will have a reverence for God’s Glory, in His name, Character, and works. This could be displayed a number of ways but at the core a desire to defend His name against blasphemy, praise for who He is, and worship of what God has done in our lives and desire to do all for His glory.

“so whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” - 1 Cor. 10:31

Continual Prayer: While there is no formula for how often we should pray, the true believer seeks to pray over all things. Not just medical or financial issues, but internal burdens such as the sins we struggle with that the Lord may give us strength to overcome our sins. Prayer is a very important aspect of the Christian life. It is how we Christians talk to God.

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.” - Philip. 4:6

Hunger for God’s Word: While prayer is how we talk to God about everyday things, God’s word is how He speaks to us. The true believer will not only desire to talk to God (prayer), but have an equal if not stronger desire to hear from Him (reading the Bible). Like all relationships, they can not be strengthened without mutual communication.

Again there is no formula for how much of God’s word we should read on any given day, but our heart's desire will be simply wanting to and making time to read a few verses or chapters frequently in order to receive spiritual guidance, encouragement, and correction so that we may continue living a life worthy of Jesus Christ call on our lives.

“yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,” - 1 Pet. 4:2

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of what makes a True Believer, but this I believe is the starting point of the test of faith. I would like to encourage all of you to test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Have you repented of your sins? Do you have a reverence for God’s glory? How is your communication with God?

If you find that you have failed the test, do not worry there is hope. Confess your sins before the Lord so that you may be healed. Turn to Him and seek His righteousness and He will restore you. Seek out the guidance of other believers who may help you take the necessary steps toward salvation and a sanctified life.
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