EVIDENCE OF A NEW BIRTH EXPERIENCE
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." I John 3:14
Nothing can be so troubling to your soul than to be uncertain about your salvation. God provides in His Word three strong evidences of salvation. Happy indeed is the person who manifests these three evidences in their life.
I. The evidence of a changed life:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." II Corinthians 5:17.
"But God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." Galatians 6:14-15.
II. The evidence of a love-filled heart: (text)
A love that forgives: "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Eph. 4:32
A love that uplifts (encourages and blesses): "…exhorting one another…" Hebrews 10:25.
A love that reaches…..
(1.) up in intercessory prayer: "…and pray for one another…" James 5:16b
"…pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…." Matthew 5:44b-45a.
(2) down to the point of need; and
(3) out in compassionate concern: "But a certain Samaritan, who was on a
journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and come to him, and bandaged up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine on them, and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him." Luke 10:33-34.
III. The evidence of the witness of the Holy Spirit
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs---heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." Romans 8:14,16-17
