How can we know if we are truly a disciple- a follower- of Jesus

1 John 2:3, 4,6

2 Corinthians 5:17

Note: The person who is truly a disciple of Jesus will see a change taking place in his life. Old ways of living are disappearing; the new is taking its place.

Does this mean that a genuine Christian will never sin, but keep all of God’s commandments perfectly?

1 John 2:1

Note: Even committed, genius Christians will find that temptation continues to trip them into sin at times. God’s will for us is that we never sin. But if we do, Jesus will forgive us if we ask Him to. We don’t have to be perfectly sinless to be a true follower of Lord Jesus.

How complete is the transformation that takes place in the life of the person who truly accepts Jesus as his Savior?

John 3:7

Note: The transformation is so complete it is described as “being born again.”

How did Jesus describe the work that the Holy Spirit accomplishes in the human heart?

John 3:8

Note: Like the wind which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly felt and seen, so is the Spirit of God in its work on the human heart. A regenerating power which no human eye can see creates a new life in the soul. But although the Spirit’s work is silent and imperceptible, its results are clearly manifest. When the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness of the fact.

What great principle of human behavior does Scripture declare?

Proverbs 23:7

Luke 6:45

Note: it is true that we are not able to change our own heart or bring it into harmony with God. It is also true that we must not trust to good works to save us from our sins. But it is equally true that our lives and actions will reveal whether the grace of God is living within us. The contrast will be clear and definite between what we used to be and what we now are. A change will be seen in the habits and interests of life. Character is determined, not by the occasional good deed or misdeed, but by the tendency of the habitual words and actions.

But don’t some people simply exhibit an outwardly correct and blameless life, while inwardly they are strangers to God’s grace?

Luke 6:43, 44

What “fruits” will grow in the life of the genuine disciple of Jesus?

Galatians 5:22, 23

What does genuine repentance involve?

Ezekiel 33:14, 15

Note: there is no genuine repentance without a reformation of life. The things we once hated, we now love, the things we once loved, we now hate. The proud become meek; the vain become humble; the drunken become sober; the profligate become pure. When this reformation occurs, we can know we have passed from death to life.

What kind of commitment and service does Jesus require of His disciple?

Luke 14:33

Matthew 11:28-30

Note: Jesus requires a total surrender and complete allegiance. But those who make such a commitment find that the yoke He places on them is easy and not a burden. Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure.

How did John express this same thought?

1 John 5:3

During His incarnation as a human being, what did Jesus say about His attitude toward the will of His Father?

Psalms 40:7, 8

Against what twin errors do God’s children especially need to guard themselves?

Romans 3:20

Romans 6:1, 2

Is there a belief or faith that is not saving faith?

James 2:19

Note: Even the devils believe in the existence of God, of heaven, the truth of God’s Word and the divinity of Jesus. But this belief will never save them. It is a grudging admission torn from them by indisputable fact. Saving faith, in contrast, is that belief that accepts Jesus joyfully as Lord and savior and that enters into a relationship of love, trust and obedience. This is faith that works by love to yield the heart, the will and the affections to Jesus.

What is the extent of this obedience that is so important that we cannot be saved without it, although it alone does not save us?

Psalms 51:16, 17

Hebrews 10:16.