How can I be sure I am a true believer?� How can I be sure the Lord considers me a true disciple?� Am I able to know by what I feel?� Will I know I am a true disciple because I talk or look like one?
In the letter of first John, we can find the answers to the above questions.� John does not say anything about one's looks or feelings, nor does he tell us of the identifying characteristics of a true disciple.� One will not determine this by a certain feeling because feelings change in a moments notice.� At times one might feel like a true Christian and then at other times feel like the worst sinner.� A "certain look" is not mentioned in first John as being an identifying characteristic.� A true believer might not be recognized by his clothing or hair style.� However, John does give us some insights to this question that I would like to share in this study.
Introduction:
What if I say to you, "I, Rick Rolin, am one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived."� Would you agree or disagree with my statement?� Maybe you would not believe me and might ask for proof.� A person can claim to be a Christian but not actually be a Christian in the eyes of God.
Living during the days of the apostle John, were those who were claiming to be Christians but were not living as such.� This claim was made by those who would later be known as "Gnostics" who taught a doctrine far different from that of John.� Thus John writes to rectify any misunderstandings as to whom is a genuine Christian.
(Note:� The purpose of this study is not to understand Gnosticism or Docetism but to simply point out that a true believer is easily identified by what they believe and most importantly how they behave.� This was true in John's day as well as today.)
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