This is part two of this article, click here for part one.
The question has often been asked, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” That question should make you think. You cannot earn your salvation by works. However, your works and lifestyle can indicate whether or not you have truly been saved. A person who has been born again will manifest that change in the way he lives.
Let’s look at seven indications of a genuine relationship with Christ.
1. Love for God
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.—Deuteronomy 6:5
The first and most basic trait of someone who has a relationship with Jesus Christ is a deep, abiding love for God. A person can be outwardly religious but still have no real love for God. A love for God flows from a genuine relationship with God. If you are merely religious, then you are lacking a relationship which is what produces a love for God.
2. Obey His Word
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.—1 John 2:5
All throughout God’s Word, we see commandments to obey the Bible (see 1 John 2:3, 5; 3:18–19, 24, etc.) Are you eager to hear it taught? You see, it is not just a love for God’s Word, but a willingness to obey it that marks a person who has a relationship with God.
3. Love His Church
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;—Ephesians 5:25
The church is the body of Christ. A church is not the buildings, property, or location in which we meet. The church is a body of believers. We have fellowship and relationships at church. If you do not love Christ’s body, it is an indication that you do not love Christ.
4. Follow the Leadership of the Spirit
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.—Ephesians 4:30
The presence of the Holy Spirit guarantees eternal security. The Holy Spirit will abide in us until we arrive in Heaven. The indwelling presence and leadership of the Holy Spirit is a proof of a relationship with Christ.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.—Romans 8:14
5. Practice Real Repentance
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.—Romans 7:15
A Christian with a genuine relationship with God loves what God loves and hates what God hates. You cannot love God and tolerate sin.
6. Demonstrate Genuine Humility
Religious people are proud. They are proud of their list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” On the other hand, a chief characteristic of a real relationship is that you are amazed by the grace of God. You cannot get over the fact that God would save someone like you.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.—Luke 18:13
7. Persevere during Trials
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;—Hebrews 3:14
One of the reasons God allows us to experience trials is to prove that we belong to Him. When an unbeliever faces hardship, he will grow angry with God. He often sees life as a deal made with God—I will do this and God is supposed to bless me. When difficulty comes, that person thinks God has not upheld His end of the bargain. However, the person with a relationship with God will believe even when things go wrong.
If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
