Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Winter 2001                                                            Volume 2, Issue 1

How Can I Tell If I Am A Christian?

The answer to this question cannot be found by looking in a mirror and seeing a smiling face. The answer is not found by religious jewelry one may wear. Nor by any statement on a piece of clothing. The answer my friend is found within the word of God.

One can know if they are a Christian, if they have obeyed the voice of our Lord. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" (John 10:27). And, "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11). The life that Jesus gives to His sheep are found within His words, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63). "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in the Son." (I John 5:11). Thus, a person can know if they are a Christian if they have obeyed the voice of Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9).

Then, what has God said about becoming a Christian? He has said, one must hear the truth. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:14, 17). Next, one must believe what they have heard, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24). In addition, one must act upon their belief and change! "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3). After one repents, they must acknowledge the Lord. "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (Acts 8:37). Upon one's confession, they must be baptized. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27). Obeying this simple plan of salvation, one becomes a Christian and lives with the hope of heaven itself (Matthew 7:21).

Finally, one can know if they are a Christian, if they are members of a pure and undefiled religion. "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). From this passage, we learn that the church of Christ is a benevolent body. Also, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10). This verse reinforces the church's benevolent actions. Furthermore, the church of Christ is an evangelistic body. "And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:42). The church of Christ is a teaching body. "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow: and continued his speech until midnight." (Acts 20:7). This pure and undefiled religion is the only church. "There is one body,..." (Ephesians 4:4). And Jesus is the Saviour of this one body. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." (Ephesians 5:23).

If you would like to know more about "How Can I Tell If I Am A Christian?" or about the church of Christ. Please contact the editors of this journal or the person who sent or gave you the "Fruit Of The Spirit."

Donald Underwood
Chula Vista, Ca.

(Amen to the foregoing article! Donald Underwood of Chula Vista, Ca. has graciously agreed to write a series of articles for the Fruit Of The Spirit which I call the "How Can I Tell" series. In this first installment, Don has very simply shown what the Bible identifies as one who may be considered a Christian. In the next three issues, look for articles in which he will also give the Bible’s answer to the questions: "How Can I Tell If I Am A Faithful Christian; How Can I Tell If I Am A Mature Christian; and How Can I Tell If I Am A Strong Christian?" We look forward, with great anticipation, to the coming issues of the Fruit Of The Spirit and the fine articles that we will enjoy presenting and reading. If you have a topic you would like to see an article about or if you have a Bible question you would like answered in the Fruit Of The Spirit, let us know and we will be happy to publish it.)


Inside...
Page 1 - The Fruits Of The Spirit | Page 2 - Inauguration or Coronation? |
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - How Can I Tell If... |
Page 6 - Mission News | Page 7 - Christian Evidences | Page 8 - Hearing Of Their Faith |
Page 9 - The Christian Home | Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page |
Page 12 - Announcements |

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