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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