The Character of Genuine Saving Faith

I.  Evidences That Neither Prove Nor Disprove One's Faith

A. Visible Morality:                       Matthew 19:16-21; 23:27
B. Intellectual Knowledge:            Romans 1:21; 2:17ff.
C. Religious Involvement:             Matthew 25:1-10
D. Active Ministry:                        Matthew 7:21-24
E. Conviction of Sin:                     Acts 24:25
F. Assurance:                                 Matthew 23
G. Time of Decision                      Luke 8:13,14


II. The Fruit/Proofs Of Authentic/True Christianity:

A. Love for God:                    Ps.42:1ff; Matt. 22:37; Rom.8:7
B. Repentance from Sin:    Ps.32:5; Rom. 7:14ff; 2 Cor.7:10     
C. Genuine Humility:             Ps.51:17;James 4:6,9ff
D. Devotion to God's Glory:   Ps.105:3; 115:1; 1 Corin. 10:31
E. Continual Prayer:               Luke 18:1; Eph.6:18ff;
F. Selfless Love:                      1 John 2:9ff; 3:14; 4:7ff
G. Separation from the World:    1 Cor.2:12; James 4:4ff
H. Spiritual Growth:       Luke 8:15; Eph. 4:12-16; John 15:1-6
I. Obedient Living:            Matt.7:21; Rom.16:26; 1 John 2:3-5

If List 1 is true of a person and List II is false, there is cause to question the validity of one's profession of faith. Yet, if List II is true, then the top list will be also.


III. The Conduct of the Gospel:

A. Proclaim it:                         Matthew 4:23
B. Defend it:                            Jude 3
C. Demonstrate it:                   Philippians 1:27
D. Share it:                              Philippians 1:5
E. Suffer for it:                        2 Timothy 1:8
F. Don't hinder it:                   1 Corinthians 9:16
G. Be not ashamed:                 Romans 1:16
H. Preach it:                           1 Corinthians 9:16
I. Be empowered:                   1 Thessalonians 1:5
J. Guard it:                              Galations 1:6-8