Whatsoever Things Are True
by Dan Coburn
Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church
pastordan@mtida.net
Today we look at the 1st John tests to establish from God’s perspective, the question we raised last week. Is you, or aint you?  
Something we need to establish up front is the fact that nowhere in Scripture are the assurances/tests past tense. They are Always present tense. There are future promises, but always the assurances of God look like this: “If any man is in Christ, he acts like this - reacts like this.”   What is the application of this for us. Nowhere does Scripture point to a past event IE: “I was baptized into _______”; or “I belong to __________ church”; or “I did a mission trip, tithe, or any other thing you can do. These are all good, and if God tells you to do these, by all means do them. But they are a by-product, not an instrument of Salvation.  
“Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  Matt. 7:22-23.   We bring nothing to the table to bargain with God either to attain or maintain our Salvation.  The sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, and a contrite heart.  So How do I know?  Test one: A TRUE CHRISTIAN CAN NOT IGNORE SIN (in himself or others) - 1st John 1:6-10.  This doesn’t mean we are sinless, but that we will sin-less.
Test two: A TRUE CHRISTIAN OBEYS CHRIST’S COMMANDS - 1st John 2:3-5. Extra credit: Jesus said those who love Him would be marked by their obedience.  Obedience is the pipeline through which God’s blessings flow. How clean are your pipes?  Also, see 1st Thes. 5:14-22. 
Test three:   A TRUE CHRISTIAN WILL LOVE - 1st John 2:15.  This is a volitional love. It is to purpose to love the unlovable. “That’s silly” you may say, but It requires a Supernatural Enabling. Test 4: A TRUE CHRISTIAN CONTINUES FAITHFULLY IN FELLOWSHIP - 1st John 2:19.  This refers to a final parting, not a temporary laps. It is a total rejection of Christ’s body and the truth taught there. And Test five: A TRUE CHRISTIAN CANNOT ABIDE (CONTINUE) IN HATE - 1st John 3:14-15. Again, this hate is a lasting, present tense hate, not a “riggin fit”.  Whosoever continues in hate is guilty of “murder” in his heart.   I challenge you to reflect on these tests and determine (judge) for yourself the pattern of your life.  Settle abiding hatred. It is to your benefit and the Glory of God, and explains more clearly why “love covers a multitude of sins”.  Are you trusting a What or a Who? God bless.

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522
 

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