The Character Of Genuine Saving Faith

2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"




I. Evidences that neither prove nor disprove one’s faith




a. Visible morality: Matt 19:16-21

b. Intellectual knowledge: Romans 2:17ff

c. Religious involvement: Matt. 25:1-10

d. Active Ministry : Marr 7:21-24

e. Conviction of sin: Acts 24:25

f. Assurance: Matt 23

g. Time of decision: Luke 8:13-14




II. The fruit /proofs of authentic / true Christianity



a. Love for God: Luke 10:27, Romans 8:7
b. Repentance from sin: Psalm 32:5, II Cor 7:10, I John 1:8-10
c. Genuine Humility: Psalm 51:17, Matt 5:1-12, James 4:6-9
d. Devotion to God’s Glory: Psalm 105:3, Isaiah 43:7, I Cor 10:31
e. Continual Prayer: Luke 18:1, Eph. 6:18, James 5:16-18
f. Selfless love: I John 2:9ff, 3:14, 4:7ff
g. Separation from the world: I Cor. 2:12, James 4:4ff, I John 2:15-17
h. Spiritual Growth: Luke 8:15, John 15:1-6, Eph 4:12-16
i. Obedient Living: Matt 7:21, I Peter 1:2,22….I John 2:3-5



If list I is true of a person and list II is false or non-evident, then there could be cause to question the validity of one’s profession of faith. If list II is true of a person, then list I will be true as well.


From: Dr John MacArthur Study Bible Index Notes, 1997.