December 24th~That You May Know

1 John 1:1-4:6

We read the first half of the first letter of John, one of the disciples of Christ. The key to understanding John’s letter is found in the second half which we will read tomorrow — “I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life” (5:13). John met the deceptions of false teachers and converts in his day and helped genuine believers discern the truth. One way he developed discernment in his readers was that he provided certain “tests” that enabled them to identify true and false converts. These tests are still helpful today, as many people claim to be Christian and yet they believe and live in ways that are inconsistent with the message and example of Christ. Let’s consider some of these traits.

First, one cannot be a follower of Christ and deny the existence of sin in his life. “If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that His Word has no place in our hearts” (1:5-10).

Second, obedience to Christ is evidence of salvation. “If someone says, ‘I belong to God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. Those who obey God’s Word really do love Him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in Him” (2:3-6).

Third, followers of Christ are obvious by the love they have for people. “If anyone says ’I’m living in the light’ but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness” (2:7-11; 3:11-18).

Fourth, those who are redeemed will show signs of resistance to the world. “Stop loving this evil world and all that if offers; for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you” (2:15-17).

Fifth, those who deny the claims of Christ make God out to be a liar. “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar...” (5:1-12).

Sixth, those who are truly saved will not exhibit a pattern of sin in their lives. “We know that those who have become part of God’s family do not make a practice of sinning” (5:18-20).

Daily Reflection

These “tests,” of course, are not exhaustive. There are more ways to tell if someone is saved, but John gave us a place to start. Can you think of anything that you would add to the list?

Which “test” is most helpful? Explain why.

What precautions should you use when trying to determine one’s salvation?

Take a minute to evaluate your own life based on John’s tests. Would others be able to identify you as a genuine follower of Christ?

BiAY.org | Day 358 — 7 Days to Go