Are You a "Reliable" Christian

Are You a “Reliable” Christian?

By Mary Garris

Ask yourself the following questions taken from scripture.

1 John 4:15 (NKJV) states, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Therefore, do you confess that Jesus is the Son of God and know that God abides in you and you in God? James 2:19 (NKJV) states, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) If you’ve confessed Jesus is the Son of God and that He abides in you, and you in Him; then do you also agree that He (Jesus) is the Lord of your life?

1 John 3:9 (NKJV) states, “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Therefore, a true Christian finds him/herself disappointed, wretched, flustered, and discontented when he/she sins. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean Christians will not sin; simply that sin convicts us to acknowledge our sin with remorse. 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) states, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Therefore, when we sin of course, we feel a strong conviction to repent of our sin and ask Christ to help us do better through learning not to repeat our sins that we are convicted of as we acknowledge them. Therefore, if you are being convicted of sin in your life you are on the right path.

1 John 5:1 (NKJV) states, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Do you want to be around other Christians? Being around other Christians is important to your growth in Christ. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982)

1 John 5:3 (NKJV) states, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Do you keep the commandments of God? If you love God/Jesus Christ, He says you will keep His commandments. Those who continually break His commandments are not Christians; that is not to say that Christians will not make mistakes and sin; it means that Christians will repent quickly, notice when they make mistakes or break commandments and repent because Christ dwells within them.

1 John 2:5 (NKJV) states, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) Do you keep His word? Keeping His word consists of obedience to God; doing what His will for you is and not your own will. Walk according to the teaching of Scripture, reading Scripture daily and seeking God’s word through Scripture is one way that God can speak to us as Christians. He teaches us through Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (New King James Version Bible, 1982) which explains to us the importance of Scripture and reading God’s word. 

Again, ask yourself the following questions.

1. Do you confess that Jesus is the Son of God and know that God abides in you and you in God?

2. Do you feel a strong conviction when you sin?

3. Do you want to be around other Christians?

4. Do you keep the commandments of God?

5. Do you keep His word?

References

New King James Version Bible®. (©1982). Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.