It is foolish to just assume we are disciples, when Scripture warns us that many will be deceived, and it commands us to examine ourselves to see if we are genuine. If we are genuine disciples, there will be evidence. Certain things will be true about us.
The important thing is that we find out what God defines as "evidence of salvation." Don't just assume that you are saved, because there are things in your life that people claim should be present. At the final Day of Justice, only what God says will matter!
Some of these articles focus on the presence of the "fruit" of salvation, or on some other effect that salvation will have on one's life. For more information about these types of things, look in the main section that focuses on "Living as a Disciple."
I'm Saved, So Why Should I "Worry" About My Salvation?
God tells us to examine our salvation, to make sure it is genuine. Are you willing to do so? Or would you rather assume you are saved - thus taking a chance at being deceived?
Is your "Christianity" - GENUINE or FAKE?
A four-part series (and some study comments) that focuses on the need to both believe and live the truth. Whether or not we are willing to do so defines the genuineness of our "salvation."
Questions you can ask yourself, to help you reflect on the issue of whether or not you are a genuine disciple.
Are you REALLY a disciple of Jesus - a "Christian," as Jesus defines it?
God doesn't leave us to "decide for ourselves." He gives us objective criteria, by which we can examine our lives, and know for sure if we are genuine disciples. This article is a series of questions (for self-examination) - based on what Jesus taught us in the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5 - 7). Questions based on a few other verses in Matthew 9 and 10 are also included.
- See also: "How to Become a Disciple." This article is a reminder that the "fruit" is not the cause of our salvation, but the result of it. (The above article, "Are you REALLY a disciple of Jesus" focuses on the "fruit," or actions, that accompany salvation.)
Keeping God's Word - A Requirement for Survival in the Last Days
We are in the "last days," so this concept applies directly to us. This study is based on verses from the book of Revelation, but the message is just as relevant to people before that time (such as us).
Since God is the author of salvation, certain characteristics will be present in the life of a saved person. God guarantees it. The problem is that we tend to look at the wrong things as "evidence" that we are saved. There are many good characteristics that both saved and unsaved people can have - and (sad to say) these are the ones that many people look for, as "proof" of their salvation. This short article gives a quick summary of the characteristics that are and aren't characteristics of a genuinely-saved person.
- Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character (external link) - The above article was based on a work that was published nearly 200 years ago, entitled, "Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character," by Gardiner Spring. Copies of this work are available at several locations on the internet, including the link given here.
- Assurance of Salvation - Some things prove you are not saved; some things prove nothing; some things prove you are saved. This is an extensive series of presentations that examine the various evidences (or lack of evidences) for salvation. These presentations have the same basic focus as the above two articles, but are more in-depth. (These presentations are part of a separate "journal.")
Comments About the Righteous and the Wicked (Psalm 1)
This article is related to an in-depth study of Psalm 1 (part of a series of articles on "meditation"). It deals with various issues, such as: 1) the fact that all people fall into one of two categories (and the way they live shows which category they belong to); 2) the issue of motives in serving God; and 3) the issue of inconsistent living. (Nobody is totally consistent in the way he lives.)
- Meditating on Psalm 1 - This is the in-depth study mentioned above.
A few short responses to some excuses for the lack of "fruit" in one's life. Remember this, however: If people really aren't interested in the truth, then nothing can you do will be able to change their minds.
Some People Will Take Chances With Anything... [The "Get Out of Hell Free" Card]
Salvation is free, but that doesn't mean that we are free to sin. Don't take "chances" with your salvation; let God change you!
The Bible warns us ...
And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people astray. (Matthew 24:11)
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. (2 Corinthians 13:5a)