87% of Zambians are considered Christian[1]. Many Zambians would say they are Christian in their religious beliefs. To add to the spiritual confusion, our beloved country was declared a Christian nation, and it is enshrined into the constitution. Make of that what you may; an essential question that each Christian needs to answer is ‘am I a Christian’. In many ways, that is not a new question. The book of First John was written for this particular reason. That the brethren may know that they are indeed sons of God (1 John 5:13). John gives seven subjective shreds of evidence of salvation.
1. Genuine believers walk in the light (1 John 1:6-7). Light refers to both intellectual and moral purity. They do not walk in the dark, sinful philosophy of the world. They are daily pursuing to be like their God, who is light.
2. Genuine believers confess their sin (1:8-2:1). A true believer had acknowledged their sin when they convicted by the Spirit of their sins. However, there is also a continuing attitude of confession. To confess means to agree with God about your sin. As a believer, you are daily developing a hatred for sin and running to God for forgiveness.
3. Genuine believers keep His commandments (2:3-4; 5:2-3). They diligently are watchful and observant in their obedience. The child of God proactive in studying the word of God to know and obey.
4. Genuine believers love the brethren (2:9-11; 3:10, 14-15; 5:2). A sure sign that you are a child of God is that you love God’s people. Anyone who claims to love God and yet hates his brother or sister is according to scripture a liar.
5. Genuine believers affirm sound doctrine (2:20-23; 4:2, 6). As the child of strives to keep to word of God, they also become wary of false teaching. They affirm what is true and discern what error is. True believers discern the spirits.
6. Genuine believers follow righteousness (2:29; 3:3-4, 6-9). The children of God fight sin and pursue holiness. This does not mean sinlessness or perfection. It means the child of God will not live a life of habitual sin is an immoral, ungodly or unrighteous lifestyle.
7. Genuine Believers believe in Jesus Christ (5:1, 5). Anyone who denies Jesus Christ is the Son of God is an anti-Christ. Belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is foundational to the Christian faith because Christ is the sure and steady anchor.
Conclusion
Christianity is not a mere religion. Those whom God genuinely saves live a transformed life. Works do not save us but those who are genuinely saved bear fruit. True salvation produces works of righteousness. We should develop the habit of daily examining ourselves to see if we are in the Faith.
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