7 Ways to Test If You Are Saved

Will you go to heaven...or not?

Heaven is real. Evidence demands a verdict.

"Perception is reality" as the saying goes. Is "your truth" necessarily reality? Let's look at 7 ways to test if you are a Christian in name only (defined as a nominal, unsaved, hell-bound person) or truly saved by grace (undeserved favor that you did not and cannot work for).

"There is no hell. There is no sin." Those words are New Age lies from old age deception. Satan is real. Disobedience is evident.

Just as dangerous are deceptive beliefs that "I have my ticket to heaven. I went forward in a service. I can do whatever I want now that I am saved."

Pharisee

The Pharisee is often perceived as a figure deeply immersed in religious practices and traditions. Their outward appearance and actions are meticulously crafted to convey a sense of righteousness and piety.

However, beneath this facade of devotion lies a dangerous element of deception. The Pharisee's focus on external behaviors and adherence to rules can lead to an inflated sense of self-righteousness, distancing them from genuine humility and true faith. They see no need to repent of their self-righteousness. They think they are good enough compared to others. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces the means of salvation.

"By grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God not by works so that no one can boast."

Within the Pharisee's rigid adherence to rules and regulations, there exists a subtle but profound sense of arrogance. This pride in their own perceived moral superiority can foster judgmental attitudes towards others and a lack of compassion. The Pharisee's external displays of religious fervor may serve to mask inner emptiness or a lack of true spiritual depth, creating a shallow faith built on appearances rather than a genuine relationship with God.

Empty Confessor

An Empty Confessor is someone who outwardly professes faith in God but lacks true conviction in their heart. These individuals may engage in religious activities and vocally claim to be saved, yet their actions do not align with their supposed beliefs. They may attend church regularly, recite prayers, and talk about salvation, but their faith is shallow and insincere. They fail to bear fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 that cannot be produced by trying harder, working more to "be good" with human willpower.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

For the Empty Confessor, the concept of being saved is reduced to mere words without any genuine transformation or surrender to God. They may go through the motions of spirituality, yet their hearts remain untouched by the power of true faith. This superficiality leaves them spiritually empty, lacking the depth and authenticity that comes with a genuine relationship with God.

Diluted Grace Abuser

Many individuals claiming to be Christian fall into the category of Diluted Grace Abuser. They hold a superficial understanding of grace, interpreting it as a pass for continuous wrongdoing without genuine repentance or transformation. This distorted view allows them to justify their actions while neglecting the essence of grace as a catalyst for righteous living and reconciliation with God. Not only is this issue addressed in Romans 6 and 7, we reveal the fruit from our own tree by actions. "If you love Me, obey my commandments," Jesus said. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:7,

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ the new creation has come; the old has gone the new has come."

These Diluted Grace Abusers tend to cherry-pick verses from the Bible to suit their behaviors, conveniently ignoring the call for holiness and righteousness that accompanies grace. Instead of embracing the transformative power of grace to lead a life aligned with Christ's teachings, they twist the concept to fit their desires, ultimately missing out on the true freedom and joy that comes from a genuine relationship with God. Like dogs who return to their vomit, they do not embrace their new creation in Christ, surrendered to the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Doubting Wanderer

A Doubting Wanderer is one who grapples with uncertainty and hesitancy in their faith journey. This type of individual often finds themselves in a state of flux, questioning beliefs and searching for answers that seem just out of reach. This internal struggle can lead to feelings of confusion and vulnerability as they navigate the complexities of their faith. I Corinthians 15:58 sheds some light on their thinking.

"Therefore my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

One of the defining characteristics of a Doubting Wanderer is their constant quest for validation and reassurance. They may seek out guidance from various sources, looking for external affirmation to quell their inner doubts. This perpetual search for certainty can create a cycle of skepticism and indecision, causing the individual to feel adrift in a sea of conflicting emotions and beliefs.

• The Doubting Wanderer may experience periods of intense introspection and self-doubt as they grapple with their faith journey.
• This internal struggle can impact relationships with others who may not understand or share the same uncertainties.
• The constant questioning and seeking of validation can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness for the Doubting Wanderer.

Worldly Hypocrite

With an air of piety on the outside, yet a heart conforming to the ways of the world within, the Worldly Hypocrite deceives not only others but ultimately themselves. This individual may cloak their actions with religious language and expressions, yet their motives and intentions are often selfish and aligned with worldly desires. In Scripture, Jesus warned against those who honor God with their lips but have hearts far from Him, speaking directly to the essence of the Worldly Hypocrite's facade and pretense. 1 John 2:15 clarifies that there can be no coexistence.

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world love for the Father is not in them."

Moreover, the Worldly Hypocrite may actively participate in religious practices and rituals, appearing devout and righteous to those around them. However, their commitment to God is superficial, serving more as a means to gain approval or recognition rather than stemming from a genuine desire to honor and obey Him. The dichotomy between their outward appearance and internal disposition echoes the Scriptural rebuke of whitewashed tombs that are beautiful on the outside but filled with dead bones and uncleanness within.

Deceived Christian

The Deceived Christian seems to be among the most perplexing of all the spiritual archetypes. This individual may appear devout and pious on the surface, but beneath the facade lies a heart that is far from aligned with the true spirit of Christianity. Jesus himself warned, "I never knew you," to those who outwardly practiced religious acts but lacked genuine faith and obedience to God’s will. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus explains how people are deceived and what the result will be.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons, and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you! Away from me, you evildoers.'"

These individuals may attend church regularly, engage in acts of charity, and even speak eloquently about their faith. However, their motivations and intentions are often rooted in selfish desires rather than true devotion to God. The Deceived Christian may deceive not only others but also themselves, believing they are on the path to salvation when in reality, they are far from the true teachings of Christ.

Proud Rebel

Pride often consumes the heart of those who refuse to acknowledge their own shortcomings. Rebels against authority, these individuals believe they are above reproach and are quick to dismiss any suggestions of humility or submission. They cling tightly to their own arrogance, unwilling to consider the consequences of their actions on themselves or others. Spurgeon continues exposing evil.

"For this people's heart has become callous. They hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." Matthew 13:15

Their stubbornness blinds them to the wisdom and guidance that could lead them down a path of growth and redemption. Instead, they forge ahead in their defiance, convinced of their own superiority and invulnerability. However, their pride is a fragile facade that can easily crumble when faced with the reality of their own limitations and mistakes.

FAQs

What is a Pharisee?

A Pharisee is a person who strictly adheres to religious laws and traditions, often at the expense of showing love and compassion towards others.

What is an Empty Confessor?

An Empty Confessor is someone who claims to believe in God or follow a religion, but their actions do not reflect genuine faith or commitment.

What is a Dilute Grace Abuser?

A Dilute Grace Abuser is someone who takes advantage of the concept of grace or forgiveness, using it as an excuse to continue in sinful behavior without true repentance.

Who is a Doubting Wanderer?

A Doubting Wanderer is someone who struggles with their faith and beliefs, often feeling lost or uncertain in their spiritual journey.

What is a Worldly Hypocrite?

A Worldly Hypocrite is a person who presents themselves as righteous or moral, but their actions contradict their professed beliefs, often being driven by worldly desires.

Who is a Deceived Christian?

A Deceived Christian is someone who has been misled or misguided in their faith, following false teachings or beliefs that do not align with true Christian principles.

What is a Proud Rebel?

A Proud Rebel is someone who defiantly resists authority, whether it be religious, societal, or moral, often displaying arrogance and rebellion against what is right or just.

Call to Action

• Check yourself because self-deception creates false assurance.
• Heed these warnings of inauthentic lifestyles. Each person is accountable, not by earning, works, or wages. The only requirement is repenting (turning from sin) and turning towards Jesus by surrendering your heart (motive, will, desire) to follow His will, not your own. That is true faith in Christ.

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is defined this way: You are becoming like Jesus to be the person that God created you to be!

Are you really a Christian? Is your heart broken and surrendered so that you follow Jesus instead of your own ways? There is great joy in a life surrendered through moment-by-moment being led by His Holy Spirit instead of your own will. Ask Him, "What do you want me to do? Where do you want me to go? What do you want me to think? Who would you have me to meet?"

I can relax in being led, walking by means of His Spirit.