It is a risky business to know about God, think Jesus died on the cross and rose again, but not have any interest in being with God's people regularly to worship. It is equally dangerous to have convinced oneself of being reconciled to God because of believing Jesus was God's son, but not read the Bible to see exactly who God is and what His standards are. What am I getting at? I'm getting at something we here at ACL see too many times to count. People who call themselves Christians, but who do not actually know the God of the Bible. They have created a set of characteristics they think represent God, but which actually do NOT represent God.
To know if we are truly a Christian these two issues are key--what do you believe about Jesus AND how do you respond when confronted with what the Bible says about your life and the decisions you are making? An actual Christian should be conforming their life to what the Scriptures say. It is the process of sanctification. We are sinners and only the blood of Christ cleanses us from the penalty of our sin. It is a one time acknowledgment before God that we see our shortcomings and we want Him to forgive us because of the sacrifice of Christ. That transaction, if followed up with a genuine desire to TURN from our sin, is what makes us born again. Our faith is proved by our actions.
No desire to worship regularly with God's people? RED FLAG
No desire to understand who Jesus/God really are, which is found in the Bible? RED FLAG
Choosing to live in open sin (like having sex outside the sanctity of marriage, having abortions, getting drunk, lying, cheating, engaging in homosexuality, gossiping with no repentance or remorse....)? RED FLAG
The mark of a life that has been forgiven by God, genuinely, is a changed life. It doesn't happen overnight, it is a process. Ask yourself simply--what am I doing about my belief in Jesus Christ this day? Obedience to God's word because of a repentant heart is a solid indication of a person who has been born again and will go to Heaven when they die. Saying you are a Christian but bearing no fruit according to the Bible is a sure sign you've deceived yourself and are not going to spend eternity in Heaven.
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