Having exposed some inconclusive indications of a genuine work of grace last Lord’s day, we now look at the first two indispensable indicators of a genuine conversion – those things which, according to the apostle John, must be present for a man to know himself saved, even if they are not perfect.
The first is a humble and wholehearted embrace of the divine diagnosis of and remedy for sin. A Christian man has an accurate view of himself as a sinning sinner. He acknowledges God’s just judgments; Spirit-wrought conviction leads to genuine repentance; with repentance is joined faith in Jesus as presented in the gospel.
The second is a humble reverence for and joyful devotion to God and his glory. A radical reversal of priority has occurred: the idol Self is toppled and God reigns in the heart. Gratitude for grace received and delight in God himself issues in joyful service of the Lord of glory. The testimony of such a man’s heart is “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps 73.25-26). He believes it, knows it, pursues it, and repents afresh because he does not know and feel and prove it more.
Two more indispensable indications will follow, God willing.
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