“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5a
This Word of God calls upon all who call themselves “Christian” to examine and test themselves to see if they are truly in the faith. And this is indeed important, for many deceive themselves and think that all is well with their souls when, in fact, they are living in sin and unbelief!
How can you test yourself? How can you be sure you are a Christian? Consider the following questions, which are based upon both the Scriptures and Luther’s Small Catechism.
1. Are you genuinely sorry for your sins, or are you securely or intentionally continuing on in your sinful ways?
2. Do you trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal salvation, or do you rely upon your own works or life to merit God’s acceptance of you and a place in His heavenly kingdom?
3. Do you sincerely desire, with God’s help, to amend your life and live for Christ in accord with His Word, or are you unwilling to give up some sin or evil practice in your life?
If you are not sorry for all your sins, not trusting in Christ Jesus for salvation, or are not sincerely desiring and seeking to amend your life, you fail the test and ought consider the consequence of continuing in sin and unbelief and repent before it is too late. Cf. Psalm 32; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:5 – 2:6.
The Bible tells us: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
The Bible also says: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Those who remain impenitent and continue on in their sinful ways will reap the end result: eternal death and damnation. But those who repent of their sins and look in faith to Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world will receive God’s pardon and forgiveness and the eternal joys of heaven for Jesus’ sake.
O Dearest Jesus, for the sake of Thy Holy life and innocent sufferings and death upon the cross, forgive me for all my sins and iniquities, cleanse my heart, and grant me the sincere desire to amend my sinful ways and live for You. Amen.
[Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]