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Many people claim to be Christians, but is there a way to “test” whether you or someone is a Christian or not? Here is a brief five-point test for identifying the qualities that comprise a true Christian.
Doctor David Jeremiah recently posted an article entitled “How to know you are a Christian.” In the article, Doctor Jeremiah offers five steps. We’ve taken that inspiration and added two additional steps.
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.”
– 1 John 5:1
You cannot be a Christian without faith in God as the Father and Jesus Christ as his son. A Christian confesses Jesus was born, died and rose to life again. Without confessing Christ as Lord and Savior, one cannot enter the kingdom of God.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’
–John 14:6
“Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'”
–John 3:3
Being born again means a new mindset. It refers to a spiritual rebirth, not a physical one. It’s about making a commitment of faith toward God and Jesus Christ. It has been born into the membership of God’s family.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
– John 1:12-13
“If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.”
– 1 John 2:29
Jesus offered a simple test for identifying false teachers and those who weren’t true Christian followers.
“Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”
– Matthew 7:20
Being a Christian requires living a Christian life in thought, words, deeds, and actions. Although we are not saved by our works, but by God’s grace, we are still expected to devote ourselves to them and lead others by example.
Jesus said:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
–Matthew 5:16
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
–Ephesians 2:10
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
– 1 John 4:7
A Christian is someone who tries to reflect God’s love for us toward others. Jesus said:
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.”
–John 13:34
Jesus also urged us to practice the most difficult love of all:
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
–Luke 6:27-28
“Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
–1 John 3:9
Sin tempts everyone, even the Christian. However, because a Christian has been born again of God, the desire to love God and Jesus Christ compels one to resist sin.
“If you know that He is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.”
–1 John 2:29
