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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Do you bear the marks of a true believer? How do you know?

Remember the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares? Or the Parable of the Sower? In those parables, Jesus talks about so-called believers, and those whose belief may be of varying depth or steadfastness.

Do you want to know where you stand, and how to tell where others stand?

From a careful study of 1 John, Dr. David Jeremiah helps outline just how to do that, calling them the five birthmarks of the Christian:

  1. Confession: Before you can be saved, you must confess Jesus as your Lord (1 John 5:1).
  2. Change: Our walk, habits, and ways will change as God’s Word and the Holy Spirit transform us (1 John 2:29).
  3. Compassion: We have love and compassion to all (1 John 4:7, 3:14).
  4. Conflict: Once saved, you will face conflicts and struggles you must overcome. You will grow spiritually as you learn to overcome them through Christ (1 John 2:15-17).
  5. Conduct: We desire to continually conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the calling He has placed on our lives. We want to please Him at all times (1 John 3:9).

Read more on this in the Crosswalk devotional, “How Can I Be Sure of My Salvation?”

So, peace be with you, fellow agent. And if you are lacking on any point above, go straight to God in prayer. His forgiveness is always greater than your sin. Then, you can rise and continue with His easy yoke and light burden, and carry His light into the world once more. God is GOOD!