FORGIVENESS: Growth Project C Make Sure You Are a Christian

Table of Contents

1 The Bad News about Humanity & Good News about Jesus Christ

2 An Introduction to the World’s Biggest Religion

3 What Must I Believe About God to be Forgiven Forever?

4 What Must I Believe About Myself to be Forgiven Forever?

5 What Must I Believe about Jesus to be Forgiven Forever?

Growth Project A Ask God to Open Your Heart to Jesus Christ

Growth Project B Share the Good News About Jesus with a Non-Christian Friend

6 Being Certain about the Most Important Thing in Your Life

7 Why You Can Be Certain You Are Forgiven Forever

8 How You Can Be Certain You Are Forgiven Forever

Growth Project C Make Sure You Are a Christian

9 What is God’s First Commandment for a Christian?

Growth Project D Be Baptized or Baptize Others

10 What are Important Commitments to Grow as a Christian?

Growth Project E Planning & Pursuing My Christian Commitments

Appendix A Memory Verses for the FORGIVENESS Study

Project 1.C

Make sure you are a Christian

2 Corinthians 13:5

Week 3

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. (2 Cor 13:5)

Do you claim to be a Christian? God’s word clearly instructs you to evaluate your life to ensure this is true. Some claim that you cannot know for certain that you are a Christian. But as discussed in the previous chapter, God wants you to be sure (cf. 1 John 5:13). Also, if you cannot be certain you are a Christian, then why did the Apostle Paul tell us to: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves” (2 Cor 13:5). Or as it says in 2 Peter: “Work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen” (1:10). The Apostles believed you should do this, and could effectively do it as well.

How would you “examine” yourself and “test” your claim to be a Christian? The last few chapters of this study have given you the biblical answer. The table on the following pages is a summary of the biblical attributes of a real Christian. Carefully and prayerfully consider each one. Check the ones you can claim for your life and try to record an example of each one.

God wants two different things from this project. If you are not a Christian, this small “test” will reveal this to you so you can continue to seek God to become a real Christian. If you are a Christian, the “test” will strengthen your confidence in this.

A Self-test for Real Christian Faith

1

I have a new and/or lasting hatred for sin.

2

I have a new and/or lasting desire to please and obey God.

3

I feel my relationship with God is based on love rather than guilt or fear.

4

I have a new and/or lasting experience of the Spirit’s love, joy, peace, and power, instead of having to force myself to do the right thing in my own will power.

5

I have a new and/or lasting desire to study and learn God’s word in Scripture.

6

I have a new and/or lasting desire to generously give my money to God and His work.

7

I value pleasing God and serving people more than worldly success and pleasures.

8

I am committed to a local church and have a new and/or lasting desire to spend time with other Christians in church services and other times.

9

I have a new and/or lasting desire to love, help, and serve other Christians.

10

I have a new and/or lasting desire and ability to forgive those who have hurt me.

11

I have a new and/or lasting desire and ability to love those who do not love me.

12

I have a new and/or lasting concern for those who do not know Christ.

13

I feel like my character continues to improve and I am able to change sinful habits.