Are You Truly Redeemed? ~ 10 Hallmarks of a True Christian (Part 3 of 6)

Hello Friends!

Welcome back to our study of the book of 1 John as we seek to answer the eternally important question: Are You Truly Redeemed?

Several years ago, there was a book written entitled If Christ is the Answer, What are the Questions? We as Believers in Jesus Christ believe He is the answer, right? Then, if this is so, what are the questions and why don’t more lost people ask us questions about the hope within us? In fact, how many people have asked you about your faith in Jesus Christ? Perhaps we should ask ourselves this question: “Why don’t very many people ask me about the hope within me?” Think about it…

Are You Truly Redeemed? ~ 10 Hallmarks of a True Christian (Part 3 of 6)

The overall theme of 1 John is “a recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of Christianity.” The Apostle John deals with certainties, not opinions or conjecture. He expresses the absolute character of Christianity in very simple terms that are clear and unmistakable, leaving no doubt as to the fundamental nature of those truths. A warm, conversational, loving tone occurs, like a father having a tender and intimate conversation with his children. I like that!

3. A true convert does not harbor hatred for the Christian brethren

They display forgiveness, love, and compassion:

He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes – 1 John 2:9 & 11

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him – 1 John 3:15

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? – 1 John 4:20

4. A true convert does not love the world or the things of the world

They have a disdain for the world's system of evil ruled by Satan:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world – 1 John 2:15-16

Remember: Our faithfulness to proclaim the Truth of God’s Word as well as defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ may very well assist others in examining their own faith to verify if they are indeed a true convert of Jesus Christ – their very soul may depend upon it!

Please join us next week as we continue to further investigate this promise of eternal assurance from the Word of God – Are You Truly Redeemed?

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Blessings!

Shane <><