“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” --2 Corinthians 13:5 (NASB)
There are some things in life that we prefer to remain blissfully ignorant about. As you watch the world news, at times you’re tempted to turn it off because there seems to be nothing but bad news to report. It’s easier to simply avoid the information than to deal with it. Unfortunately, some people take the same approach to their spiritual life. Time keeps marching past them, while they refuse to stop and truly examine their life to see if they are really children of God.
The Bible teaches us quite clearly, that apart from faith in Jesus Christ, we are all doomed to perish. Our eternal punishment doesn’t come about because God is mean, but rather because we are sinful and by our very nature we choose our own selfish desires over God’s perfect plan. Yet, in spite of our selfishness, God shows us grace. Jesus Christ, God’s only son, came and lived a perfect life, then died a sacrificial death to pay the eternal price for those who would turn to Him in repentance and faith. But faith in Christ is not simply a one time “decision” that you make and then forget. Faith in Christ involves committing your entire life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. You turn from sin…and choose Jesus to be your lifelong King and Master. Most people are unwilling to do that, and therefore most people will ultimately perish. Jesus said: “Narrow is the road that leads to life and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
I encourage you to be different than the world. Follow Jesus as Lord, and be saved. Don’t live in blissful ignorance. Examine you heart and your life. Do you really love Jesus? Are you truly committed to following Him everyday? Do you have a love for other people? Do you have a desire to share the gospel of Christ with those who don’t know Him? These are the kinds of questions you must ask yourself in the spiritual self-examination process. Your eternal future is too important to ignore. Is Jesus Lord of your life? Are you eternally saved? Blissful ignorance won’t work on this issue because ignorance won’t get you into Heaven, but knowing Jesus as Lord will. Examine yourself. Make the changes that need to be made. And then look forward to the true bliss that comes from knowing that eternity in Heaven with Jesus Christ awaits you.
That is the common interpretation of this verse. However there is another meaning that I believe is more accurate. It takes some fortitude to find it and hold to it among evangelicals today. But, I believe doing so will increase a ministry's emphasis on grace and faith.
Posted by: Owen | February 11, 2008 at 09:30 PM
As a follow-up and not meaning to be caustic. Does anyone really ever exhibit a full obedience to all those questions? Where is the assurance if those questions have to be evaluated every day?
I believe it's better to encourage people to base their assurance on, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." This is what Paul said to the Philippian jailer.
If the "object" of someones faith is Jesus Christ, they will have assurance. If their object is their obedience they will always have doubt.
(quotes from your article listed just so you know which aspects I'm discussing)
"Follow Jesus as Lord, and be saved. Don’t live in blissful ignorance. Examine you heart and your life.
Do you really love Jesus?
Are you truly committed to following Him everyday?
Do you have a love for other people?
Do you have a desire to share the gospel of Christ with those who don’t know Him?"
Posted by: Owen | February 14, 2008 at 12:12 PM