The Supreme Test

1 John 4:1-3

We live in the age of "the art of the deal," made prominent by President Trump, who authored a book by the same title. President Trump's book outlines how to pull disparate groups of people together to accomplish amazing things. A great example of his business finesse is the conversion of Washington, D.C.'s post office building into a luxury hotel. While making a deal is a wonderful business strategy, making a deal by compromising with give-and-take is not conducive to Christian growth. So, what is the supreme test- the evidence of one being a true believer?

A recent survey found that 59% of Christians believe that all religions worship the same God. In other words, two out of three people do not agree with the true, historic stance that Christ is the only way to salvation. In the days of apostle John, this was true also. In his day, there were hundreds of religions. In the first three verses of 1 John, the author lays out the supreme test for calling oneself a Christian.

The Foundation of the Faith

The foundation of the Christian faith is that Jesus is the only way to salvation. His death was the satisfaction for our sins. Hence, the dividing line is this: Jesus - is he who scripture claims him to be? In this passage, John acknowledges that there are many spirits that must be tested. Here, to test mean to examine. Let us examine who is Jesus? Jesus was not just a spirit. He actually lived in a fleshly body. He is the only son of God. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day, he rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven, and now, he sits at the right hand of God Almighty. Many people may acknowledge Jesus' existence, but they do not think man needs a savior. Christianity is the only belief system that has an answer for the problem of personal sin. Personal sin is every wrong word, every wrong deed, every wrong thought, and the omission of doing good. If we sin, we need a savior.

Fake News

There are many groups and philosophies that believe they have an answer for man's personal sin. However, their answer is to follow a personal philosophy that negates the sacrifice of Christ. Their answer is to join an organization and follow works oriented rules. Working to follow rules leaves one empty and searching. We live in an unpredictable, stress-filled world. People are searching for a way to find peace. Religion should not bring more stress. It should bring peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Prayer

O Lord, I thank you today for the many blessings you have granted to me. Thank you for the blessings of the Holy Spirit who puts within me a humble heart of love and the evidence of your presence and power. May the love that you originated in me flow out of my being to meet the needs of others. May your great love for me produce in me a genuine confession of truth about the way, the truth, and the life; Jesus Christ, our Lord. May the confession of who you are be not just words, but may it produce in me love in action. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

#InnerPeace #NeedforaSavior #Salvation