Are you abiding in Christ? Do you ever wonder how you can be certain?
The soul that abides in Christ is privileged also to experience Christ abiding within the soul. The righteousness of Christ is revealed in the life. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, these souls are the saved. They have repented. They are converted to a life of right doing. This is sainthood.
They experience the joy of no longer living to themselves, but for Christ, for the salvation of others. Their lives fulfill and promote the mystery, which had been hidden from ages and generations. It is the privilege of saints to experience having the mind, which also was in Christ. It is what the Apostle Paul describes as “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26, 27).
With justification and righteousness by faith, comes also sanctification by faith. They are an unbreakable trio. Sanctification is the lifelong spiritual experience of living by faith the Word of God, exhibited in works of righteousness. It does not necessarily take a lifetime to learn obedience or to have the blood of Christ applied to the life.
It is the life lived by the soul’s choice, by faith, through the Spirit of God for the rest of the soul’s life. Yes! The Power of God! The love of God! Praise God; for He is the God of our salvation.
When you abide in Christ and Christ abides in you, you will live godly. It is the evidence of God in you.
God is light. And in Him is no darkness at all. If we truly die daily, refusing to do only what pleases us and instead choosing to please God, He will live in us and through us, until He comes back to take us to our heavenly home.
The soul living in the carnal flesh chooses that which pleases only him- or herself. Self is the priority. Self-righteousness (one’s own ways) is the standard of the day. So they choose to live their own wants, their own desires, by their own perceptions, and by their own opinions. In everything selfishness rules: in eating, drinking, and in all activities. You can hear selfishness in their conversations, in what they choose to listen to, watch, or purchase, how they dress, where or how they work, even in the type of education they choose—everything.
Christ said His yoke is easy. Yet, selfish people do not take upon them Christ’s yoke. To them it is too difficult to think of others before satisfying themselves. They simply choose the freedom of living for self. And our self-sacrificing God allows their choice, even when it glorifies Satan—not Him.
By now, you should have a good idea how to judge whether you are abiding in Christ and He in you. Furthermore, you might have a better idea about others in your life. Consider how they may be influencing you, or you, them—for better or worse.
Waste no time with speculations. Know the character traits of the unconverted. Pray earnestly to God for them. If possible, study with them biblically sound doctrine. Be an example in godliness—not with high-mindedness, but with the compassion of one to whom grace has been granted. If they reject encouragement to live a righteous life, from such turn away and remain in prayer for their salvation.
Lead out in good works. Avoid unprofitable activities. A proper demonstration in one’s life of the law of God reveals His character to others, who will reflect what they see. By beholding we all become changed. One’s behavior shows one’s character. Even the spiritual and physical state of one’s mind can be determined by behavior.
If the soul possesses God’s love, they will choose by faith the power of God to keep ALL His commandments—not as though they are grievous but as a delight. Their behavior will prove the indwelling of God’s love. As they grow closer to God, their desire to love God with all they are and with all they have will likewise increase.
They find that they love their brethren as they love themselves. They do unto others as they would have others do unto them. They overcome sin.
Every day, it is a choice. Every day, a righteous man may choose to turn away from righteousness. God does not force Himself. God does not force His ways upon anyone. God does not force His love or obedience upon us. Those who daily choose God show they have repented. They are converted. God has restored these souls to reflect His image. In them can be seen the character of God. No sin. No darkness. No unrighteousness. No ungodliness. No uncleanliness. No filthiness. No unholiness. No idolatry.
Jesus said that we are to be sanctified by Truth. His Word is Truth (John 17:17). Here are some suggested Bible selections for study. Certainly do not limit yourself to these. Study them line upon line, line upon line; precept upon precept, precept upon precept; here a little, there a little: Psalm 1-3; Proverbs; Isaiah 43:18; Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 18; 28; 36; John 3:3; John 6:63; John 14, John 15; Romans 1, 5, 8:9; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 5; Philippians 2; 2 Thessalonians; 1 Timothy 1, 4; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:13-17; Titus 1:13-17; Titus 2; Titus 3:5-11; 1 Peter 1, 2; 2 Peter 2.