"Proving Your Identity In Christ"

Is it Right?

Is it Scripturally Ethical?

Is it within the Biblical guidelines to call to account the actions of one who professes to be a Christian?

Are we within Biblical right to demand that they Prove it?

To some, this is outrageous!!

While this may feel a little bit uncomfortable, to say the least, this is exactly what the scriptures demand!

Yes, you read that correctly... the New Testament scriptures declare that each professing Christian MUST prove the genuineness of their faith to WORLD.

Show me the Evidence!

The command, written plainly and simply with the ink engraved on the old papyrus. Its Scribes are said to be under the inspiration of the spirit of Jesus himself.

The sacred ancient texts that society have come to acknowledge as the Holy Bible, has declared within its pages, that all professing believers, YES!!, ALL 2.6 BILLION of them, are commanded, to prove themselves!

The Apostle Paul admonishes all professing believers,

2 Corinthians 13:5, KJV

"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates"

The original Greek word for "Examine" is πειράζω peirázō, G9384, Strong's, meaning, specifically in this text, "To Test; prove".

A Test is "A means of determining the Presence, Quality, or Truth of something; A basis for Evaluation or Judgment" (American Heritage Dictionary, 5th ed., 2016).

There is no mistake about it, this text is specifically calling out professing Christians to "evaluate and Judge" themselves regarding the true presence and indwelling spirit of Christ within them...if they are truly Christians. This evaluation is not determined by personal experiences and emotional assurances, but it is a scripturally aligned evaluation and judgment.

The Apostle Paul further reiterates, "Prove your own selves, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in You?"

The original Greek word for "Prove" is δοκιμάζω dokimázō, G1381, Strong's, meaning, "To Test, to scrutinize".

To "scrutinize" is to "inspect critically".

Hmmmm, this indeed changes the game. Considering the many times professed Christians have unpleasantly declared, "Don't Judge me!" Clearly demonstrating and expressing a resistance to give an account for their behavioral choices in the light of Jesus' established judgments of what a genuine Christian should be.

This all too familiar declaration clearly contradicts what the scriptures commands!

The same Apostle, under the influence of the Holy Ghost forewarns,

1 John 4:1,KJV

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God..."

The word "try" is the same word used for the word "prove". It is the word, dokimázō, meaning, "to Test".

Professing Christians are not only commanded to Test themselves, but equally to Test those who also profess to be of the Christian faith!

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Jesus Proved Himself!

The very one claiming to be sent from God, was also subjected to providing evidence to support his claims regarding his identity and mission.

Jesus came proclaiming that he was sent by and came from the GOD of Israel. He did not expect the people to simply "take him at his word", he provided visible, verifiable proof of his claims.

John 10:38, KJV

"If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in Him"

John 7:29, KJV

"But I know Him: for I am from Him, and He hath sent me"

John 10:25, KJV

"The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me"

John 14:10, KJV

"...the Father dwelleth in me, He doeth the works"

Jesus made it very clear that he was sent from the Father and that the Father dwelled within him doing the miraculous works. He did not do the "works" to prove that he "loved" the people, but the works were performed to prove his claims of being sent by God; this is the whole purpose for the miraculous works!

Jesus stated that it was GOD doing the miracles through him to provide the evidence and confirmation of his claim. Jesus commanded his disciples to do the same, for in doing so, they will provide verifiable proof that they are sent from him, for it is Jesus who works through the genuine professing Christian!

Jesus noted within the scriptures that "a servant is not above his Master" and "the works that he does, his servant will do also" (John 14, KJV). These works are the unmistakably obvious confirmations and scripturally verifiable evidence of the genuine Christian.

Consider, in what ways Jesus provided solid evidence of his claim to prove the true indwelling presence of GOD within himself.

Are you a professing Christian without the Biblically-aligned confirmation of Jesus' indwelling presence?

Perhaps now would be a good time to scripturally examine your beliefs...while there is still time to do so. Check out "3 Warning Signs that you are NOT a true Biblical Christian"