What does a “believer” look like?

Can we tell, with certainty, if another person is a believer?  Did the eleven apostles know about Judas Iscariot’s defection?  Not until it happened.  Yet, Judas had been with them for three years during Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus knew it, but they did not. Were all His disciples believers? John 6:64-66 “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

You cannot know the certainty of another man’s salvation from your observations of external morality.*  In Matthew 19:16-21, the rich young ruler came to Jesus suggesting that he had been a very good man and had kept God’s commandments since his youth.  He asked Jesus what more he could do.  Though he thought himself to be a good man, in the end, he went away sorrowful because his personal goodness was inadequate to bring him eternal life. 

You cannot know a man’s eternal destiny from the amazing works that you observe in his life.* Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-24: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:“

You cannot tell from their spiritual title or office* (Matthew 23:27&28).  They may be a pastor, a deacon, a Sunday school teacher.  That does not confirm their salvation in Jesus Christ.  “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they them-selves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” Matthew 23:1-6

You cannot tell from a statement or testimony of their moment of salvation.* Someone might say, “I know I’m a Christian.  I remember the very day on which I prayed a prayer for Jesus to save me.”  We might enjoy hearing that testimony, but it is not the proof of a regenerated (born from above) heart.   In Luke 8:13-14, Jesus spoke a parable of the sower and the seeds (Matthew 13), where he described the seed that fell on rocky soil as those who heard and received the word with joy.  He said that these are those who have “no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation, they fall away.”  He also spoke of seed that fell among thorns and was later choked with cares, riches and pleasures of life, bearing no lasting fruit. 

We cannot tell with full certainty “who is a believer” and who is not. However, we can and should examine our own hearts. 

In three of his letters to churches, Paul exhorted the people to examine their own hearts.  We see this in I Corinthians 11:28; II Corinthians 13:5; and Galatians 6:4. Sometimes, it is an examination for sin in your life.  Other times a person may find that he or she is not truly a believer.  The examination is intended for good because a person may have the opportunity to deal with their sin or they might truly come to Christ.  For example, in II Corinthians 13:5 Paul says to them: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?“

Don’t avoid an honest examination of your life.  It may lead you a joyous life in Christ.

What is the testimony of your life?  In many passages, the Bible describes what a true believer should be like.  These things are not causes of salvation.  These things are evidences of salvation that only you and God know for certain.

A true believer has an appetite and a love for God* (Psalm 42:1; 73:25; Luke 10:27). In Luke 10:27, Jesus admonished believers to “love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind and your neighbor as yourself.“

Believers should have an appetite for God’s Word* (I Peter 2:1-3).  Peter wrote in verse 2: “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.”

Believers desire to acknowledge and repent of their sin.*  (Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; II Corinthians 7:10; I John 1:8-10) In Psalm 32:5, we see the example of David in this: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” Is there, in your life, a pattern of dealing with your sin in the biblical way?

A true believer should have a desire to glorify God in everything they do.*  Psalm115:1; I Corinthians 10:31

The Bible encourages a true believer to be often in prayer to God.*  Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; I Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16-18

The Bible says that a true believer will have a love for others* (I John 2:9; 3:14; 4:7). I John 4:7 admonishes us saying: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.“

A true believer will have a desire to be separated unto God & from the world.* James 4:4; I John 2:15-17

A true believer will grow in their spiritual life.* (Luke 8:1-15; John 15:1-6; Ephesians 4:12-16)  In Luke 8:15, Jesus spoke a parable of the sower and the soils saying that the seed that fell upon good ground bore fruit with perseverance.  In John 15:4-5, Jesus calls Himself the true vine and believers are the branches.  Those who abide in Him bear much fruit.  Believers are fruitful because of the relationship with Jesus Christ and hence, they grow spiritually (Luke 8:15).

True believers are known by their obedience to God’s Word.* Matthew 7:21; John 15:14; Romans 16:26; I Peter1:2, 22; I John 2:3-5; James 2:20

A true believer will evidence a transformation in their life.* II Corinthians 5:17

So, can we be certain of the eternal destiny of people we know and love?  No. We see their outward expressions and testimony.  These may give us some clues, but God is the only One who truly knows the heart. 

In I Samuel 16:6-7 Samuel is going to Jesse’s house to anoint the next King of Israel.  When he sees David’s brother, Eliab, he was impressed by his physical appearance.  Samuel supposes (vs 7) that this is the one he will be anointing as the next king, but Eliab is not the one.

We don’t know the hearts of men, nor do we know the final episodes of man’s life.  Maybe the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-21) made a decision for Christ before he died.  We don’t know. 

If you claim to be a Christian, is your life demonstrating the characteristics that God’s Word speaks about? 

Examine yourself.

Do you have a desire and a love for God? 

Do you have an appetite for His Word? 

Do you willingly acknowledge and repent of your sin? 

Do you desire to glorify God and not yourself? 

Do you often pray to God and seek His will? 

Do you love others or is life primarily about “me”? 

Are you separated unto God and from this world? 

Are you growing in Christ and obedient to His Word? 

Have you been changed – transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit? “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

When you examine yourself, you will find a lot of imperfections.  Don’t be discouraged. Follow the Psalmist’s pattern in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.“

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Compiled by Byron, edited by Monty.

*From the MacArthur Study Bible appendix entitled The Character of Saving Faith; NKJV – copyright 1997 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Isaiah 55:1-3

If you were not Christ’s wheat, appointed to be bread in His house, He would not grind you.

Samul Rutherford

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5

Hope in Scripture means confident assurance or confident expectation.* In reference to God’s promises, what are you expecting?

Since God cannot lie, we should expect that He will keep His Word.

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

* W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN.

Who is He in yonder stall,
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain:
’Tis the Lord, O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing? [Refrain]

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Laz’rus sleeps?
Who is He the gath’ring throng
Greet with loud triumphant song? [Refrain]

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony? [Refrain]

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone? [Refrain]

Benjamin R. Hanby, 1866 – copyright status is public domain. Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

Occasional requests are made for other website/ministry locations that share our faith, convictions, and sound bible doctrine. If you have never visited the sites listed below then let the following references be my gift to you this Christmas:

Ray Comfort Ministries; gty.org – John MacArthur; AIG – Answers in Genesis.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Psalm One

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

...let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

I do not set aside the grace (help/enabling) of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain (for nothing). Galatians 2:21

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. Mark 13:5&6

Which Jesus do you worship?

Is it he who says we all worship the same God or is it He who says; I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me?

Is it he who says we are all God’s children or is it He who says to religious hypocrites; you are of your father the devil?

Is it he who has no siblings or is it He whose brothers and sisters are recorded in Scripture?

Is it he who is sacrificed repeatedly or is it He who by one offering has perfected forever them that are being sanctified.

Is it he who some believe to be created or is it He who is the eternal Son?

Is it he who is just a good example to follow or is it He who is our atoning sacrifice?

Is it he who is just more inspired than others or is it He who is God Himself?

Is it he who embraces everyone including their sin or is it He who says; Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Is it he who is one among many pathways to God or is it He who is the One and only mediator between God and man?

Is it he who is just a good man or is it He who is the Creator of the universe?

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. John 5:43

Spoken by the Lord Himself, the following are the most tragic words found in Scripture:

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Is the Jesus that you worship a case of mistaken identity? The real Jesus is found in Scripture. Seek Him while He may be found.

...let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. I Corinthians 15:1-11

1 Moreover, brethren,

Paul addressed the Corinthians as brethren, fellow Christians. The Corinthian Christians, influenced by their culture, failed to deal with immorality in the flock, and they abused the Lord’s table – some gorging, becoming drunken, and others going without. The apostle rebuked them, admonishing them to deal with their sin.

1 I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Paul reminds them of the gospel which he preached to them and which they received from him and by which they were saved, if they remembered (genuine salvation cannot be forgotten) what he preached to them.

Unless ye have believed in vain – in emptiness/without fruit; in word only (without power); even the demons believe and tremble, but theirs is not saving faith.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received (on the road to Damascus), how that Christ died for our sins (His substitutionary death) according to the scriptures;

Jesus speaking; “Search the Scriptures (the Old Testament) for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and these are they which testify of Me.”

The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things (concerning Messiah Jesus) were true.

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

The Gospel – that Christ died in our place, was buried, and rose again the third day. Trying to improve on The Gospel is like taking a brush or pen to the Mona Lisa. Add some color, flowers in her hair, make-up, perhaps a nose ring. She would no longer be what she is known to be. Adding to The Gospel would make it another gospel. Add thou not unto His words, lest He rebuke thee and thou be found a liar (Proverbs 30:6).

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:8-10)

5 And that he was seen of Cephas (Peter), then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Facts are established in a court of law by two or three witnesses. He (Messiah Jesus) was seen multiple times by multiple witnesses. His resurrection from the dead is a proven fact.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Paul elsewhere calls himself the chief of sinners – why? Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, having sat at the feet of Gamaliel he was an expert in the Scriptures and as regarding the Law blameless. But He failed to see the Messiah in the Old Testament Scripture. Consumed by zeal he persecuted and killed those who did.

10 But by the grace (help/enabling/unmerited favor) of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

so we preach – to proclaim/herald/declare a message.

And so ye believed – belief and faith come from the same Greek root.

Believe – To believe is to be persuaded of – to be won over to a change of mind (repentance) and hence to place confidence in, to trust. In this sense it signifies, reliance upon, not mere credence. 

Saving faith is a firm persuasion or conviction based on hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

It has been said that faith is the gangplank used to board the ship of grace. There is a faith (persuasion) that comes from listening to someone other than God. That kind of faith can be used to board the wrong ship.

The OT declares:

And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he (God) counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6

The NT explains:

He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he (God) had promised, he (God) was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed (accounted) to him (Abraham) for righteousness.

Now it was not written for his (Abraham’s) sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:20-25

Justification – the act of God whereby He declares righteous those who believe that He is able to perform that which He has promised. God the Father has promised and provided a Saviour from our sins in His Son Jesus, who is Christ the Lord.

The God of Scripture is He who justifies the guilty based on their belief in His promise. Who is the guilty? I am the guilty.

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: so that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

I Thessalonians Chapter One