Monday, 18th September 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: SAVED OR DECEIVED?
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Why must we examine ourselves regarding the Christian faith?
Within the community of believers, there exists the most important question that demands everyone’s private contemplation: “Are you truly a Christian?”
It is a sobering reality that the gravest misfortune a person can face is to be under the false impression of their Christian identity while, in truth, they are not. Tragically, this will be the lot of many people at the second advent of Christ Jesus. Jesus expressly talks about this: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven…” (Matt 7:21 – 23) While we wait for Jesus’ Second Advent, these are the best moments to examine oneself to ascertain whether you are in the faith or not.
The lingering question persists: “How can someone be misled about their salvation?”
Regrettably, the painful reality is that numerous individuals have earnestly recited the sinner's prayer yet remain unacquainted with true salvation. Some have forsaken detrimental behaviours, refrained from sexual misconduct or excesses, and yet remain unredeemed. Many diligently engage in active church participation, and have an impeccable reputation, yet find themselves still distant from genuine salvation. A very sobering story is told of Cornelius, the Centurion in Acts 10. He was devout and feared God, he gave alms generously to people in need, he prayed continually to God and he was well spoken of by the Jewish nation but yet he was not genuinely saved until God revealed Himself to him. Tragically, some genuine people are called Christians but lack these credentials. Why wasn't a man of such an enviable reputation a Christian until the Lord appeared to Him?
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, what qualifies one to be Christian is not a matter of dos and don’ts. It goes beyond a system of laws and laid down procedures.
A person is saved when a new life is implanted into the soul through the Holy Spirit's transformative power. While this remains a mystery, the recipient of this divine act knows for a certainty that he or she has been changed (Rom 8:16). There is evidence in scripture that one can know and be certain of his/her salvation. The epistles of John is one fine reference point for this.
Brethren, while we wait for the second coming of Christ Jesus, it will be good to heed the call of Paul for you to examine and test yourself to determine whether you are truly saved and not deceived. If it so happens that you are, continue ye in the disciplines of the Christian faith; but if otherwise, it demands an urgent cry for mercy from He who alone can extend graciously salvation to you through Christ’s atoning work on the cross. God bless and show us mercy.
FURTHER READING – Acts 10
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How well have you examined yourself to confirm the certainty of your claim to have a Christian identity?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me by Your Holy Spirit to continually examine myself in my Christian walk to clear every form of doubts that cloud my being saved in Christ Jesus, Amen.
Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Chronicles 1; Ezekiel 14; Luke 10
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