Scripture Text: 1 John 3:7-10
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
1 John 3:7 (ESV)
How can you tell if someone is a Christian? John gives a simple answer: “the one who does what is right is righteous, just as he [Christ] is righteous” (v. 7). We shouldn’t listen to anyone who tells us differently, such as the Gnostic teachers in John’s day, for if we do, they’ll lead us astray (v. 7; 1 John 2:26).
Recognizing the difference isn’t rocket science, that is, it’s quite clear who belongs to Christ and who belongs to the devil (vv. 7–8). Followers of Christ walk in the light. They generally obey God’s commands, do what is right, and love one another. Unbelievers, by contrast, walk in darkness. They generally disobey the gospel, do what is evil, and fail to love others. They neither believe correctly about Christ, nor do they act correctly.
Genuine believers in Jesus won’t continue to sin as a way of life (vv. 9–10). In fact, they can’t continue. Why not? Because they are not the same person. They’ve been reborn. They’re new creations. In verse 9, “God’s seed” is a metaphor for salvation. Just as a man’s “seed” enters a woman and creates a new life, “God’s seed” enters our hearts by faith. The result is spiritual rebirth. And while the start of a new human life might miscarry, the start of a new spiritual life never fails. Regeneration cannot be reversed.
Just as fallen human nature inevitably produces sin, so also does our redeemed nature inevitably produce righteousness. This is how we know that we’re children of God. “Only God sees the heart,” we sometimes say. Yes, but John taught that we can discern people’s spiritual conditions, including our own, from words and actions. A tree is known by its fruit.
Reflect
1. Can you confidently tell that you are a Christian?
2. Do you have the confidence in Christ and what He did because of the faith the Holy Spirit gifted you?
3. How is your transformation in Christ, through Christ and for Christ?
Remember
My dear readers, we’re not perfect yet, so regular confession of sin is an important spiritual discipline. But let us also rejoice that God’s love is transforming us into the image of His Son!
Read
Ezekiel 18:5–9; John 3:3–7; Romans 8:29, 11:29; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Pray
Holy Father, I am filled with gratitude with the transformation You brought in me. I ask that You continue to grow me in grace and truth. Strengthen my faith, increase my spiritual understanding and intensify my love. This I ask in Your Son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus' name. Amen.
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