The Bible commands us to “test” and “examine” ourselves if Jesus is in us (2 Corinthians 13:5). How do we do this?

TEST OF RIGHT BELIEVING

John warns of false prophets denying that Jesus is the Christ, the only Savior (1 John 2:22-23). He says that every spirit must be tested (1 John 4:1-2). Those who confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh from God are real Christians, true followers of Christ that are identified by their fruits (Matthew 7:20-21). As we confess Jesus as both Lord and Savior and believe that He died and rose again, this belief should influence the way we live (Romans 10:9-10). Unlike Judas who heard everything but was not transformed because he did not fully believe, true salvation cannot just be about what we know but should impact our lives and bring about positive change.

REPENTANCE (Gk. metanoia, change of mind leading to change of heart, resulting to change of behavior) is crucial! It is turning away from sin and turning towards God with faith in our Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). God gives us the power to repent (2 Timothy 2:25-26) and be free from being enslaved by sin. It is God who will touch hearts and take people through their journey of faith.

TEST OF RIGHTEOUS LIVING

God is Light: He is all-holy and all-pure (1 John 1:5-6). We are sensitive to sin when we draw near to God because His light repels the darkness. If we walk in the Light (walk with God), we have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7-8). Righteous living, however, does not mean perfection — we may still sin, but we can confess (Gk. homologeo) and agree that we have committed wrong against God and others. God is faithful and righteous to forgive us and cleanse us from all sins (1 John 1:9-10). Furthermore, when believers do fail and sin, John reminds us that Jesus is our “Advocate” (lawyer) (1 John 2:1-2). Jesus died for our sins (as “propitiation” – the satisfactory payment accomplished) and so He has power and authority to grant forgiveness and cleanse our records!

Nevertheless, this truth cannot be used as a license to sin. A.W. Pink said “the Christian who has stopped repenting has stopped growing”. God will not allow His children to keep a life of sin, so He disciplines us for our good and that we can share in His holiness and bear the fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:6, 10-11). If we truly KNOW God, we will keep His commandments and practice righteousness (1 John 2:3-7, 10). The evidence of true faith and salvation is a transformed life: living in the righteousness Christ imputed on us.

TEST OF REAL LOVING

1 John 4:7-8 tells us to love one another, practicing our experience of God’s love. If we do not love, then we do not know God at all. If we have the love of God, we can forgive and love others even in the most difficult situations. The opposite of this love is INDIFFERENCE, and when we cancel others, avoid others, and brew bitterness, hatred, and anger for others as “Christians”, it puts our faith in question. Indeed, if we say we love God, but we do not love our brother, we make liars of ourselves (1 John 4:19-20).

Is there enough evidence in our lives that we are real Christians? Jesus commands us to love one another the way He has loved us (John 13:34-35). We are truly Christ-followers when we love even those most difficult to love. The most powerful weapon we have is love towards one another, and loving this way is impossible apart from the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Let us live like Christ — have the right belief, progress in right living, and be more loving each day. We pray we will always do so!