DO YOU KNOW?– DOES IT SHOW?

DO YOU KNOW?– DOES IT SHOW?
“Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” (1 John 3:6-10)
It happens everyday. I’m talking about the failure of professing Christians to give evidence that they are truly saved. While we all act out of character and fail at times, the manner of life for some people is un-Christian. Both their attitude and actions are unlike Christ — habitually, not just on occasionally. That’s a cause for great concern.
Do they not know? Do they not care? How can a person know or care enough to see the importance of professing Christ as their Savior and then be so careless in their manner of life? Yet it happens all the time– and raises serious questions. Do they make a profession simply to ease their conscience, or to convince others that all is well with them spiritually? Are they deceived as to what true salvation is? The fact that they show no concern about examining themselves, nor interest in exhortation from God’s word forces us to conclude that they are indeed deceived. Especially when we their lifestyle is anything but Christ-like.
Let’s face it, it’s common to see certain sins deeply ingrained in the lives of people who claim to be Christians. Things such as pride, selfishness, dishonesty, anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. And yet these folks will argue until they are blue in the face that they are good Christians. Really! It is no wonder that the world is repulsed by such claims, and so quick to label all Christians hypocrites. That calls for attention.
John wrote his first epistle “that ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13), and he warns us about such a life-style ( 3:6-10). What John said should cause some folks to quake in their boots! Contrary to what they think, say, or feel there is no evidence that they have been born again. So, judged from the scriptures, do you know? Does it show?–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346