The Joy of Knowing - Tests of Genuine Fellowship
1 John 1-2:2
We can have the joy of knowing that we are in the faith, having passed the tests of genuine fellowship. This is evidenced by remaining faithful to the fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, resulting in transformation as evidenced through obedience and love.
A foundation of genuine faith requires specific biblical building blocks:
1. A right (biblical) view of Christ (vs. 1-4)
- Jesus is the fully divine and fully human Son of God, who came as the promised Messiah to save humanity from sin, as revealed in the Scriptures (the written word) and through Jesus Himself (the living Word)
- Right believing (doctrine) leads to right living (cf. Rom. 6:17-18; Titus 2:1, 11-12)
- A false view of Christ destroys the revealed truth in the person and work of Christ (cf. Heb. 2:17)
Believing in Jesus according to divine revelation makes all the difference in knowing if you have genuine faith, eternal life, fellowship with other believers, and fellowship with the Father and with the Son, Jesus Christ. So, what about you? Who do you say Jesus is? (cf. Mt. 16:15 ff)
2. A right (biblical) view of sin (vs. 1:5-2:2)
- “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows…” (cf. Gal. 6:7-8)
- Divine revelation (Scripture, the written word, and Jesus, the living Word) is truth (cf. Jn. 17:17; Jn. 14:6)
- An ongoing pattern of walking in “darkness” is a big red flag when it comes to passing the test to see if you are in the faith (cf. 1 Jn. 3:6)
- Consistently walking in the light and living by the truth is a big green flag indicating genuine, saving faith
Truth is something that is both believed and lived out. If what you claim to believe about Jesus and about sin match up with how you live (follow Him), then rejoice that by His grace, mercy, and power, you live with the joy of knowing that you have genuine fellowship! But, if what you claim to believe about Jesus and sin does not match with how you live (follow Him), then stop lying, confess your sins, receive His forgiveness, and start living by the truth.
Keep Walking in the Light – Living by the Truth.
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