How Do I Know if I'm a True Christian, Part 2

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Back to Advice About Salvation Post - 8/17/11


Dear K,

Here's something written by John MacArthur that I think you will find helpful. This is a well written piece that takes you through the truth of God's Word to help you when you're needing assurance. As your going through this, be honest with yourself, and talk to God about each of these areas. If you have questions on what any of this means, that's what we're here for. Please don't hesitate one minute to write in and ask us a question. I'm excited for you, I hope you will go ahead and pursue Him today!

In Christ,
Tracie

"GENUINE SAVING FAITH" 2 CORINTHIANS 13:5

I. EVIDENCES THAT NEITHER PROVE NOR DISPROVE ONE'S FAITH
A. Visible Morality: Matt. 19:16-21; 23:27
B. Intellectual Knowledge: Rom. 1:21; 2:17
C. Religious Involvement: Matt. 25: 1-10
D. Active Ministry: Matt. 7:21-24
E. Conviction of Sin: Acts 24:25
F. Assurance: Matt. 23
G. Time of Decision: Luke 8:13,14

II. THE FRUIT/ PROOFS OF AUTHENTIC/TRUE CHRISTIANITY:
A. Love for God: Ps. 42:l; 73:25; Luke 10:27; Rom. 8:7
B. Repentance from Sin: Ps. 32:5; Prov. 28:13; Rom. 7:14; 2 Cor. 7:10; 1 John 1:8-10
C. Genuine Humility: Ps. 51:17; Matt. 5:1-12; James 4:6,9.
D. Devotion to God's Glory: Ps. 105:3; 115:1; Is. 43:7, 48:10.; Jer. 9:23,24; 1 Cor. 10:31.
E. Continual Prayer: Luke 18:1; Eph. 6:18f; Phil. 4:6.; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; James 5:16-18
F. Selfless Love: 1 John 2:9, 3:14; 4:7.
G. Separation from the World: 1 Cor. 2:12; James 4:4.; 1 John 2:15-17, 5:5
H. Spiritual Growth: Luke 8:15; John 15:1-6; Eph. 4:12-16
I. Obedient Living: Matt. 7:21; John 15:14; Rom. 16:26; 1 Pet. 1:2,22; 1 John 2:3-5
J. Hunger for God's Word: Pet. 2:1-3
K. Transformation of Life: 2 Cor. 5:17

Note: If List I is true of a person and List II is false, there is cause to question the validity of one's profession of faith. Yet if List II is true, then the top list will be also.

III. THE CONDUCT OF THE GOSPEL:
A. Proclaim it: Matt. 4:23
B. Defend it: Jude 3
C. Demonstrate it: Phil. 1:27
D. Share it: Phil. 1:5
E. Suffer for it: 2 Tim. 1:8
F. Don't hinder it: 1 Cor. 9:12
G. Be not ashamed: Rom. 1:16
H. Preach it: 1 Cor. 9:16
I. Be empowered: 1 Thess. 1:5
J. Guard it: Gal. 1:6-8