It is so easy today to say I am a Christian....an in vogue term even. Politicians, rehabilitated convicts, and those that want to mark themselves, and we too say we are Christians. I trust there is more depth in our confession of this however. To be a Christian is verifiable and provable. Not to other men but we need self assurance and to know this personally! Not for the status in this world or among others but it has to do with life and life everlasting! In Antioch, the term was used first derogatorily and one day it will NOT be profitable to be called a Christian. We will see many DROP the name as it will no longer be profitable to them. It means I'm a partaker of Christ and all His blessings! Fellowship with God and the Father. In the fellowship of the LIVING GOD. Something essential to the child of God and NOT a label!
John here is speaking about the fellowship of the people with the Apostles whose fellowship was with God. He is speaking about being a Christian. Being in Him and knowing Him, and having fellowship with Him. A Christian is one who KNOWS Him! Not the knowledge like that of a dietician's knowledge of a sandwich, but that of a child who knows it practically! John is talking about knowing God in the deepest sense of the word as the child devours the sandwich and it becomes part and parcel of his being and it becomes his strength! The child of God KNOWS God by faith and applies that knowledge to his life! His knowledge is not just facts. Religion is not JUST a discipline to him. God is His very confidence and trust. Not fact and knowledge by itself, but application, depth, and benefit of that knowledge. We know God and abide in His fellowship and love!!!
Where does it come from? John tells us. "...the love of God is perfected in us...." Not perfect as it is worded in the KJV, but to it's appointed end and purpose. Why are we who we are? Why do we have the families we have? Because we are the workmanship of God. The love of God does not end with you and me as commonly thought and spoken of today, but we are to God's glory as He seeks it! Not "look what God has done for me" which is true.....BUT why did He do it? Did He not love us when He gave His Son for us?! The love of God that carries us through this life into glory. The bond of perfectness that dwells first in God Himself, who shows and shares it outside of Himself. A partaker of Christ and all HIS blessings as He makes me a prophet, priest, and king!
This is richly evident. But how do I really know that I'm a Christian? When I die someone may or may not be there on my death bed to tell me that I am one. We need to know it personally!!! "And hereby do we know....when we keep the commandments of God." Ask YOURSELF the question....."Do I keep the commandments of God? Do I love Him in the bottom of my HEART and SOUL and LOVE His commandment with ALL my heart and soul? The inherent proof! Is your ignition stirred when we see them violated???? And the Word of God! How do we treat the scriptures? Do I use them as a DICTATE in how I live my life? In everything? How do you know you are a Christian? Do you love His commandments, hate yourself, and love His Word and live your life according to it?
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