LITMUS TEST

And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 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. I John 5:11-13 These verse’s are assuring us of our position in Jesus Christ concerning our salvation. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 These verse’s tell us that once we are saved, absolutely nothing can take that position away from us.

After reading these comforting verses, the biggest question is this; what is my position in Jesus Christ? How do I know that I am saved from eternal separation from God?

Several verses address these questions. 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. I John 2:3-6 Are you striving to keep his commands? No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God I John 3:9 John is talking about unrepentant (turning away from), habitual sin here. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20 Are you living a life worthy of God, to bring him praise and glory? In order for a tree to bear fruit it must be growing. A true believer will be thirsty for God’s word, growing spiritually and repenting (turning away) from sin as the Holy Spirit reveals it to them in their life. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come! II Corinthians 5:17 This verse speaks of change; old and new. If you are truly one with Christ, you should (with time for reflection) be able to look back and see change. What were you like before Christ, and what are you like now? Does your fruit honor God?

Dear reader, be sure of your position, God loves you, and he will not be mocked. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I John 4:9-10 We are all sinners. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23 God’s penalty for sin is “death” or eternal separation from Him. For the wages of sin is death Romans 6:23 We can not save ourselves! For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 God paid the penalty for our sin. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 Our responsibility is to have faith, repent (turn away from sin) and believe the gospel. They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved Acts 16:31 / “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near, Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15

Living a life of faith in Christ Jesus results in being a child of God, redeemed from the penalty of sin and destined to spending eternity with our creator. but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20

Vertical focus—not horizontal!