Transformed Christians: Evidence of Belief in Jesus and Signs of Discipleship
As a SEO expert, I've noticed several key aspects that Christians often overlook when it comes to evidence of true belief in Jesus. From the plain words of scripture to the fruits of the Holy Spirit, there is a clear path to understanding what it means to be a true Christian. Let's delve into the evidence provided by Jesus and the signs that one is truly transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Evidences of Christianity
One of the most cited evidences of true Christianity comes from John 3:16-18, where Jesus describes the eternal life provided through belief in Him:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Similarly, in Acts 1:5-8, Jesus promises the disciples that they will be empowered with the Holy Spirit, allowing them to bear witness to Him, and in Mark 16:16-18, He includes the promise of baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for salvation. Jesus clearly states that if one does not follow these commands, they are not His disciple.
1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 13 also emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts and signs, indicating that those who do not have these gifts may not be true believers. These passages remind us of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Scripture provides us with a list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which include love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is quite perplexing that those who place such importance on speaking in tongues or other spiritual gifts often exhibit few, if any, of these fruits. One would assume that true believers would be among the most joyful, peaceful, and gentle individuals.
Jesus further emphasizes the importance of love in John 13:35, stating, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." It is essential for Christians to embody the love of Christ in their interactions with one another. This is a clear indication that the Church is fulfilling its purpose as a community of love and support.
God's Standard for Discipleship
God has His own standard for those who claim to follow Him, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. This passage highlights that God chooses the weak, the foolish, and the despised to confound the wise and the mighty. It challenges the worldly idea that success and greatness are the primary indicators of one's worth or standing in the eyes of God.
The man on the cross beside Jesus did not ascend to heaven, which highlights the importance of understanding God's rules and not just focusing on human standards. Indeed, it is shocking to see people placing conditions on salvation that are not clearly outlined in scripture.
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 emphasizes that it is the calling of believers, not their position or status, that matters most. While many wise, mighty, and noble individuals are called, God's wisdom often defies human logic. The weak, the despised, and the foolish are chosen to bring ruin to the things that seem strong and mighty.
So, when considering the fruits of the Spirit, the evidences provided by Jesus, and the emphasis on love, one must question the current state of many Christians. Are they truly following God's standards or are they adhering to human standards that lack biblical foundation?
The truly transformed Christian should be marked by love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit. When non-believers observe Christians, they should recognize a community united in love and support. True discipleship is not about external appearances or worldly success but about the transformation of one's life by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is disheartening to see so many Christians today who are too 'woke' or overly politically correct, choosing to speak only positive and good things about God while picking and choosing what to preach. This behavior runs counter to the example set by Jesus and the early disciples who were willing to speak out even when it meant personal sacrifice.
If one cannot follow God's rules about getting baptized in the name of Jesus, following His commandments, and witnessing to others, they are not truly ready for eternity. On Judgment Day, it may well be that God will say, "I do not know you." Christians must be prepared to live by God's standards, not just in appearance, but in their daily lives and choices.