Fear of the unknown is a genuine fear. So not knowing where you stand with God can be debilitating. What follows will either serve to confirm that God has saved your soul or that you need to fall to your face and discover God's love for the very first time.
Why is this so important? Deception is a tactic Satan uses incessantly. He'll deceive some into believing they are truly "born again," when they aren't (Matthew 7:21-23). And he'll also try to trick others into thinking they've never experienced salvation when they may have.
My personal experience is that good churches are filled, or half-filled, with people who don't know Jesus personally. They haven't experienced most of what you'll find here. But some are genuinely transformed and just need a shot of hope and truth that they're on the "narrow path." Jesus calls those who are saved "friend" and invites them into an adventure – never questioning their salvation again. Where do you stand with God?
The following are discernible characteristics of authentic faith. These characteristics are just that – not perfectly reflected in us at all times but truly characteristic of us, and we know it to be true. Some of these God reveals more clearly over time, but you readily agree that all are true or must become true of you as you grow. Here are your NINE WAYS TO KNOW:
Do you stand with God on these? I trust the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. If you need to surrender your life to God, do so right now. Ask him to forgive your sin, cleanse your heart, fill you with his life and power, and confess him as the new leader of your life.
These nine characteristics give us a way to both know where we stand and to move in our relationship with God – growing in confidence, not stumbling, and getting a champions welcome into eternity. I Peter 1:10-11
God speed to you,
Karl
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