Satan can’t keep us from salvation when we turn to Jesus. He can’t take away our salvation after we come to Jesus. But he can and does do all he can to keep us from living a victorious Christian life. He tries to take our joy and peace and keep us from being effective witnesses for Jesus by slowing or stopping our spiritual growth. He does that by attacking our spiritual life right where it began, by influencing us to doubt whether we have salvation or not. If we are not sure we are a child of God we probably will not act like one. That’s not a new tactic. It’s one he has used quite successfully through the ages. The Christians John wrote his first epistle to were facing doubt and uncertainty. John assures them they have eternal life because of the changes in their lives that only God could produce (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let’s look at them and apply them to ourselves today.
- WE HAVE A NEW RECOGNITION OF SIN. 1 John 1:7–9 If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Unbelievers are not concerned with their sin. It is only because God’s Spirit works in us that we are aware of how awful sin is. It’s natural to develop an every-heightened sense of the reality of sin. This brings a new appreciation for what Jesus has done for us on the cross and a deepening desire to live a holy life for Him. Do you see sin differently than before salvation? That proves God lives in you.
- WE HAVE A NEW DESIRE. 1 John 2:3–4 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. John is not preaching a religion of legalism, but of love for the Law-Giver. Before salvation we have no desire to please God, but afterwards we want to serve Him. God’s in-dwelling Spirit puts that desire in us. We didn’t have it before but now we do. Do you have a desire to please God? That shows His Spirit lives in you.
- WE HAVE A NEW LOVE OF OTHERS. 1 John 2:9–10 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Deep concern for other Christians is another distinguishing mark of those who are born again (John 3). A special bond exists between believers. You notice it when meeting another Christian for the first time. It’s like talking to a relative you’ve never met before. This is a clear mark there is something different in our lives. John uses the word “love” 25 times in 1 John and 16 of these refer to loving each other. Loving God our Father means we also love His other children, our brothers and sisters in faith. Do you have a love for other Christians? That is more proof God lives in you.
- WE HAVE A NEW MASTER. 1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We are either serving God or serving His enemy, Satan. Salvation is described in terms of a military operation, in which God rescues us from the domain of darkness and transfers us to the kingdom of Jesus (Colossians 1:13). As true believers, we serve a new Master. We no longer love the things of this world, and we spend our time, money, talents, strength and our very lives to do the will of God. Everything we do is evaluated and prioritized on its value to the Kingdom, in light of our salvation and the call of God. Is your desire to serve Jesus only? That proves Jesus lives in you. (Continued in the next blog)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Think about how each of these apply you. Think of examples in your life. Thank God for the salvation He has fre4ely given you.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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