Testing Your Assurance - Nathan Rages

One of the main topics in the book of 1John is that of Assurance, meaning that someone is sure that he or she is actually saved.  

God wants every Christian to have Assurance (1John 5:13, Hebrews 10:22, 2Peter 1:10, and 2Corinthians 13:5).  On the other hand, the Bible warns us about having a false Assurance, meaning that someone thinks they are saved when they're actually not (Matthew 7:22-23, Titus 1:16, 2Timothy 3:5, Judas Iscariot, Simon the Sorcerer, and Demas). 

In John's letter, he repeatedly refers to three tests by which we can evaluate whether or not we are genuine Christians: 

1. Test of Obedience (to God's commands).  1John 2:3-6, 2:29, 3:3, 3:6-10, 3:24, 5:3

2. Test of Love (for the brethren).  1John 2:9-11, 3:11-12, 3:14-18, 4:7-12, 4:20-21, 5:1-2

3. Test of Truth (particularly about Christ Himself).  1John 2:22-24, 4:1-3, 4:15, 5:1, 5:5