Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:5
The Apostle Paul admonishes us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to “examine ourselves†to make sure we are “in the faith.†It is possible, according to Paul, to believe we’re redeemed when in actuality we’re “reprobates.†Our Lord warned us that some would be deceived about their salvation even on the day of judgment. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus said:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.â€
Paul’s admonition in 2 Corinthians 13:5 teaches us two tremendous truths. First, we can be sure that we are in the faith. The Bible definitely teaches a “know-so†salvation (1 John 5:13). We can be sure that we are a Christian. We can live our Christian lives certain of our salvation and without any doubt about it.
Second, we can assure ourselves that we are in the faith by honestly examining ourselves. How can we assure ourselves of our salvation by examining ourselves? It is by searching our lives for any sign of a specious salvation. The Bible teaches us that there are several distinguishing marks of a hypocrite. If, in our examination of ourselves, any evidence of hypocrisy is found in our lives, then, our salvation is suspect. It may be specious rather than genuine. On the other hand, if no evidence of hypocrisy is uncovered in our lives, we may rest assured that our salvation is genuine and that we’re no hypocrite.