Having been washed in the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, a Christian is one in whom the Living God has come down to dwell. It is true: God, Who is Spirit literally dwells in the Christian's physical body! This is truly awesome!

Yet, the true Christian is not one who suddenly becomes absolutely perfect, but gains the victory in overcoming the flesh, because he is born of God by walking in the Spirit and not after the flesh.

The true Christian is one whose god is not his belly and whose glory is not in his shame, who does not mind earthly things.

He doesn't live for his appetites. That is, his aim is not how he can satisfy his belly or other appetites of the body and materialistic desires. He doesn't find pleasure and pride in any shameful thing; he won't allow himself to indulge in any shameful practice. As a saint or saved one, he doesn't allow even a hint of immorality in his life.

His daily aim is to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus. He is a loving and obedient child who longs to be with His Father in Heaven, but until then prefers fellowship with God to any other relationship.

A true Christian is one who has crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. Those who belong to Christ do this. A true Christian lives in the realization that his life, his body, and everything he possesses does not belong to him, but to God, Who has graciously loaned them to him so that he can be a faithful steward bringing bring glory to God Alone and not to himself. He looks forward to the reward, which the generous God has in store for those who are faithful stewards of the talents entrusted to them.

A true Christian loves God and His Word and feeds and meditates on it daily and regularly, because he has come to realize that he cannot live without it. He prays constantly and regularly. He praises God and loves to magnify His Name. He has faith in the invisible God and believes God's record of His Son and everything else He has revealed. A true Christian believes God's promises in spite of all demonic attacks to tempt him to do the contrary.

A true Christian loves brothers and sisters in the Lord.

A true Christian possesses eternal life and he alone will get the crown of life from the Lord's Hands.

Are you a true Christian? Here are some questions to ask yourself, so that you can honestly answer that central question.

1. Does the general direction of your life look like what has been described above from God's Word?

2. Do you fear God enough to tremble at His Word and live to keep His commandments?

3. Do you really hate sin in your own life, in every form?

4. Does it grieve you more than anything to displease and despise God and His Word?

5. Do you look for your Savior from Heaven and love Him more than anything else, including yourself?

If yes, then joyfully continue in His love.

If not, then repent at once: confess your sins and bow down to the Holy God in a renewed commitment to do His Will only for the rest of your life.

Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith for ...

The Lord's return is very near and He will separate the righteous from the wicked!