Not everyone who talks about going to Heaven is going to Heaven. Some people talk one way and live another. You need to walk the talk. Some people have strange ideas about Christianity. Christianity is not all negative or trying to do better. Here are three birthmarks of a true believer.

1 – Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ (vs. 3-4)

We are not saved by keeping the commandments. We are saved so we now keep his commandments. The word “keep” means “to value”. We are to treasure them. We are to steer the ship of our lives by God’s stars. The commandment keeping will not mean they will not ever be broken. We can all go off course. We are not trying to work our way into Heaven.

2 – Seek the lifestyle of Jesus Christ (vs. 5-8)

See 1 John 4:17. We are to walk as Jesus walked. We do this when we abide with him. Jesus walked in the light. There is nothing hidden.

• We are to walk with honesty. If you are living a lie then you are not walking as Jesus walked.
• We are to walk in purity. Jesus walked in purity. See 1 John 3:3. Pornography is not the walk of Jesus Christ. Jesus went about doing good.

We are to serve Jesus Christ in everything we do in work, rest or play. A branch is part of the vine and it has only a responsibility to bear fruit.

3 – Shows the love of Jesus Christ (vs. 9)

If the love of Jesus Christ is in our hearts then we will show this love to others. This Christ-like love can hate nobody. This love is steadfast and it sanctifies. Jesus loved those who denied and betrayed Him. If you have any hatred in your heart then you need to get rid of it. Wicked people need the love of God and not condemnation. Lives can be changed by the love of God. Any Christian who shows the birthmarks of a believer can impact on the lives of others who don’t know Jesus Christ.

Categories: 1 John