How to Know if You're a True Christian
Discover how salvation can profoundly change one's nature and capacity, allowing them to live in the presence of God and obey His laws fully.
As individuals, we all have our unique capacities and limitations. Dogs can't fly, fish can't run, and sinners can't live in the presence of God or fully obey His laws. However, through the transformative power of salvation, one's nature and capacity undergo a profound change. In this article, we will explore the nature of salvation and how it manifests in the life of a true Christian.
The New Capacity of a Christian
When a person receives Jesus into their life, they experience a radical transformation. They receive not only a new disposition but also a newfound capacity to pursue a life in accordance with God's will. This capacity is made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live a life pleasing to God. Just as a dog cannot fly and a fish cannot run, so too, sinners cannot live in God's presence or obey His laws. However, through salvation, sinners are born again and empowered to live a life that reflects the image of Christ.
But the evidence that I was born is that I'm alive. The evidence that a person is born again is that they have a new disposition and appetite for the things of God, and the capacity to pursue it in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Assurance of Salvation
For some individuals, the exact moment of their salvation may be unclear or unremembered. However, the assurance of salvation lies not in a specific time or place but in the evidence of a transformed life. Just as we do not vividly recall our physical birth, the evidence of our life is proof that we were indeed born. Similarly, the evidence of being born again is a new disposition, an appetite for godly things, and the capacity to pursue a life of righteousness in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Role of God's Mercy
The question often arises: "Why did I get to be saved?" The answer lies in God's mercy. Salvation is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts but is solely a result of God's great mercy. It is by His mercy that we are born again and granted access to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we realize that our salvation is ultimately a result of God's mercy, it should fill us with awe, wonder, and gratitude.
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again.
The Power of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ holds immense significance for believers. Through His resurrection, death no longer holds power over us. As followers of Christ, we are no longer under the dominion of sin or Satan. While we may experience spiritual warfare and oppression, we cannot be possessed by demons. The resurrection of Jesus Christ and His power living within us protect us from the influence of evil forces.
Death can have no power over you. If you're a follower of Christ. Nor can Satan. Satan does not have dominion over your life and his demons do not have dominion over your life. If you're a follower of Christ, you cannot be possessed by a demon.
The Blessings of Salvation
Salvation brings forth an array of blessings for believers. It grants us an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance that is kept in heaven for us. This inheritance, secured by God's power, is reserved specifically for those who have been born again and placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Our salvation is not only a present reality but also a future hope, ready to be fully revealed in the last time.An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. Who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time?
The Security of Salvation
Once a person is truly saved, their salvation is secure. It does not depend on their ability to hold onto their faith but rather on the unwavering grasp of Jesus Christ on their lives. Just as God keeps an inheritance for us, He also keeps us for the inheritance. We are guarded by God's power, which is far greater than any power Satan may possess. Therefore, we can have confidence that our salvation is eternally secure.
Overcoming Doubt and Assurance
Doubt can often creep into the minds of believers, leading them to question their salvation. However, the truth remains that once a person is saved, they are always saved. It is important to combat the lies of Satan, who seeks to make Christians doubt their salvation. By clinging to the truth of God's Word and the promises of His grace, we can find reassurance and overcome doubt.
Once you're saved, you're always saved.
Tapping into the Inheritance
As Christians, we have been given an incredible inheritance in Christ. Just as we would eagerly tap into a financial trust if we were told of a great inheritance, we should eagerly receive the gift of salvation. Our inheritance in Christ is not something to be neglected or taken lightly. It is a precious gift that has been purchased for us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let us fully embrace and enjoy the blessings of our inheritance in Him.
Conclusion
Understanding the nature of salvation and its transformative power in our lives is crucial for every believer. Through the mercy of God, we are born again and empowered to live a life that reflects the image of Christ. Our salvation is secure, protected by the power of the resurrection and the guardianship of God. Let us embrace the assurance of our salvation, tap into the treasures of our inheritance, and live in the fullness of our new life in Christ.
What an assurance to know that God has saved me. I am a child of God and that can never be taken from me!