How We Know

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”  (John 14:23–24, NIV 1984). 

My Musings – What is a nominal (in name only) Christian?  It’s an oxymoron.  Why?  The Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization  defines a nominal Christian as a person who has not responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.  They may be a practicing or non-practicing church member. They may give intellectual assent to basic Christian doctrines and claim to be a Christian. They may be faithful in attending liturgical rites and worship services, and be an active member involved in church affairs.

Too many people want “term” insurance and not “whole life.”  Too many want justification and glorification but not sanctification.  Too many want their “ticket punched,” but that is all.  Jesus calls us to much more.  Sure, salvation is by grace not works.  But a saved life will be a transformed life.  Christianity means more than bearing the name.  It means taking up (bearing) our cross and following Him. A real Christian is one who has invited Jesus into their heart, not merely their head.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.   (1 John 2:3–6, NIV 1984). 

My Advice – You are not a Christian if  you have not responded in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.  The best evidence that one has done so is obeying His teaching and walking as He did.  If you are not walking the walk you’re probably just talking the talk. 

Author: thebrewisamusing

I was raised in a Christian family and my earliest childhood memories include regular Sunday school and Church attendance as a family. I was taught that our Judeo-Christian values were not just a part of our Sunday routine they should be part of our character and influence all aspects of our lives. I was also taught that as important as these values were they could not save us. We must also be “born again” by accepting Christ. View all posts by thebrewisamusing