Of Course we must examine ourselves. It is part of the Christian Walk.
But we must be very careful, in going through a “Checklist” that we do not succumb to legalism.
Funny Story:
I was in the 4th grade, and the rather inept public school teacher was explaining about the Puritans. Of COURSE, I asked: “What’s a Puritan?”
Teacher: They were Calvinists.
Me: What’s a Calvinist?
Teacher: Someone who believes in predestination.
Me: What’s predestination?
Teacher; That’s the belief that God has already decided who’s going to heaven and who’s going to hell.
Me: Then why be good? if you’re going to hell anyway, why not just do whatever you want to?
The teacher then just sputtered “I’m SURE that’s NOT what Calvin had in mind!’ and changed the subject. I was always a troublemaker, I guess, and now I’m a FReeper. (and a CHRISTIAN!)LOL!
Happy New Year, FRiend, and thank you for your service!
:-)
Or that we make "not going through a checklist" into a legalism.
However, this article is about each of us examining the authenticity of our OWN salvation. John says that those who are His have fellowship with Him.