Are we living out true, authentic faith in Jesus or simply fooling ourselves? It’s easy to tell, if we take an honest look. The apostle John challenged first century believers – and believers today – to do just that. In his first letter, John clearly laid out signs of authentic faith. And he clearly stated his purpose in writing:
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
John wanted his readers to be sure they were saved. He longed for them to stand firm in God’s truth and not be swayed by false teachers. And he wanted “false believers” to wake up.
He did not tip toe around the truth. That would not do them, nor us, any good. In the first two chapters of First John, the apostle gave us 5 signs to test our faith. His “If we…, then…, but…” style describes what a true relationship with Jesus will – and won’t – look like.
5 Signs of Authentic Faith
- If we walk in darkness, then we do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light we have fellowship with God.
- If we claim to have no sin, then we are deceived and we call God a liar. But if we admit and confess our sin, God will forgive us and give us Jesus’ righteousness.
- If we do not obey God’s commands, then the truth is not in us. But if we obey God, it reveals we truly know Him and His love is made complete in us.
- If we do not love fellow believers, then we still live in darkness and prone to fall. But if we love other believers, we live in the light.
- If we love the world, then it proves we do not have God’s love. But if we do not love the things of the world it shows we truly have eternal life.
So, how are we doing? Are we walking in the light or in the darkness?
You may also be interested in: How to have a relationship with Jesus
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