2011-07-03
Before You Go... Evidences of Salvation, pt. 2
Steve Lane

A. Introduction
Acts 1: 4 - 5 God has been, and is, going to be asking of us phenomenal things—things beyond us
The most basic question you could ask: "Do you have His Spirit in you?"
You should know where you stand, and not let pride or self-deception or rebellion...
You are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5: 7), Fruit from rebirth
1 John 5: 13 - 14 SO that you may KNOW that you have eternal life

B. Evidences of Salvation
Do you enjoy fellowship with Jesus?
1 John 5: 1

Are you sensitive to sin in your life?
Romans 7: 24

Do you struggle with sin?
Romans 6; Romans 7: 15; Galatians 5: 22 - 26 Evident!

Do you obey the scripture? (Do you love the Word?)
1 John 2: 3 - 6; Psalm 26: 2 - 3

Do you love Christ, rather than the world system around you?
1 John 2: 15; 1 John 3: 2 - 3 (Hope fixed on Him.. purify ourselves)

Do you love Christ, and have eagerness for Him to return?
Romans 8: 22 - 25 (I want to see Him, and this is my hope)

Do you see and increase in the pattern of sin if your life? Or, no change at all?
Not fire insurance, but a new creation in Christ
1 John 3: 5 - 6 Do not be deceived—the old nature is not any better
2 Corinthians 4: 16 When I am walking in the Spirit, I don't sin, but when the old is in charge, I will sin.
Hebrews 2: 1; Hebrews 4: 11 - (Warnings)

Do you love other Christians? Grace and truth is scripture standard (agape/phileo love)
Why do you not divorce when marriage doesn't feel good? Agape love, a committed love.
1 John 2: 11; 1 John 3: 14 - 16
Agape—choosing to love; having the ability to choose to love is evidence.
1 Thessalonians 4: 8 - 9 We know that God is love—an attribute, not an emotion.
John 15: 13 All will know if you have love for one another (1 John 4: 7 - 21 1 Corinthians 13: 5 - 6 How is this possible?

Do you receive answers to your prayers?
1 John 5: 14 - 15 I can know He hears me
Ephesians 3: 20 Not a formula
Acts 10: 41; Acts 11: 14; Luke 7: 1 - 10; 1 Kings 21: 25; Proverbs 28: 9

Have you suffered on account of your faith?
1 John 3: 13 Don't marvel if the world hates you...
1 Peter 4: 1 - 4; Philippians 1: 28

Do you see the love of Christ guarding you?
2 Corinthians 5: 14

Do you see Jesus differently than others see Him?

C. Conclusion

Ephesians 2: 8 - 10
Warning: Utah preaching, in particular, seems afraid to speak of evidences.
James: faith, but now works? Then dead faith.
Romans is clear: now I am righteous—there ought to be good works.
Faith alone, in Christ alone.
Holiness is not a list I check off, but...
Good works, and a changed life is evidence of your faith

Philippians 3: 12 - 14