Claim VS Evidence

No. We don’t have to work for our salvation. Absolutely not. This marvelous gift of eternal life is given to you freely if you do only 3 things. Admit you’re a sinner, believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he died on the cross for your sins, and then confess or repent of your sins. That’s it. It’s so simple. There are no hoops that you must jump through to receive this gift. No rituals (ceremonies, baptism, prayers, beads, dedications, church attendance, candle-lighting, confessional, catechism, communion, confirmation), philanthropy, service, meditation, affirmations, the list goes on and on.

However, there will be evidences of your salvation claim. Meaning that if you claim to know Christ and have accepted His free gift, there will be evidence to prove it, just like in court. You can claim that you didn’t rob Rita blind, but it is clear that you were at her house at the time of the robbery. The evidence shows that you grabbed her box of diamonds and rubies, stuffed them in your pockets, and ran out the door. Now, I’m no expert on all the legal gobbly goop that’s involved, but in the words of Daniel Kaffee, it sounds pretty bad. Point is that proving you didn’t do it will be tough on your poor attorney.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5 that we should examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the faith. Even though we are not perfect and will fail at times, there are consistent trends that characterize our lives proving our claim to have truly repented. Our actions display the truth of our destiny. Here are 10 evidences NOT WORKS (taken from the book of I John in the Bible) that prove you’re a true Christian and bound for heaven; why you’ll walk through that very narrow gate:

1. You have a desire to read and obey God’s word.
2. You enjoy hanging out with other Christians.
3. The pattern of sin in your life is waining.
4. You have a clear conscience.
5. When your conscience isn’t clear, you admit and confess your sin.
6. Your life is mostly characterized by right-living.
7. You have a genuine love for other people.
8. The way you live demonstrates that you love God and not the world.
9. You try to live a pure life. (Being not as bad a someone else shouldn’t be your standard. Jesus should be your standard)
10. People will be curious about why you’re different. They will want to be like you (because you’re modeling Jesus).

These things are hard to hear if you’re currently living any way you want to live without the slightest care about what God thinks. Jesus said, by their fruits we will know them. Of course, we will sin. We are not perfect and won’t be until we get to heaven, but unless we are dying to those things that defeat us, we are sunk. And then there is the war we are in with the evil one. He is right there whispering to us to continue in our sin because we are worthless and that God has given up on us. Not true! We have a guarantee that Jesus will help us if we are truly saved. He even prays for us! (Father, keep them from the evil one. John 17:11) Look folks, it’s not over until it’s over. Problem is that we don’t know when that will be. Wouldn’t it be terrible if Jesus said to you on that day, Depart from me. I never knew you. As of this minute, you still have time. Today is the day of salvation. Now is the time. Jesus is coming soon! Jesus said, My sheep hear my voice and they follow me. If you can hear his voice and if you obey Him, then you are in his fold. That’s it. Nobody can pluck you out of his loving hand.