An examination is a process that we do to determine something’s integrity or knowledge.  Scholastically, we take tests to see if we understand what we have learned.  Generally, we examine things and situations every day without even realizing them, as it is part of life’s processes. 

How much more shall we put to the test of our faith? 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Cor 13:5

Let us not take for granted something so precious!

In recent years, we have learned that olive oil, honey, and even rice are now being sold to us that are not.  Not many know this and so will be eating these products, but those who know will look at these products with scrutiny to determine the fake from the authentic.  In the same way, the Bible tells us what qualifies as genuine faith in Jesus Christ, and so we are without excuse, and those who are not in the know are so by their own choice. 

Generally, when we rely on someone’s hearsay, we are at risk of being duped.  If we depend on people to tell us the truth, they may be deceived themselves, or sadly they may not tell the truth.  With something so important as our Salvation, should this not be put on the priority list?  I dare say some of us put more time and effort into examining our fruit and vegetables we buy at the market!

Second Hand Faith

Many in our Christian circles seek out teachings, teachers, sermons, and preachers to feed them, much like a baby chick relies on the mama bird to give them regurgitated food.  They may learn a great deal, even good sound biblical truths, but they nevertheless practice a second-hand faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  They let another make the time and study of the scriptures for them and call it a day.  Thankfully there is a way to prove counterfeit faith, but it involves our desire to actually look!

One way to determine a Genuine Faith in Christ

Anyone who professes the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will immediately be under the Lord’s influence and teaching.  He will begin walking them out of the darkness and into His light, and it will manifest by having the desire to live set-apart lives or what the Bible calls holy lives. Don’t mistake this to mean perfect lives.  He will begin to sensitize us to what is repulsive to Him, and we will desire to rid ourselves of it.  By His grace, we are able.

If there is no recollection of such inclinations, let alone an increase in them, sadly, this indicates one who practices a second-hand faith.  They have not set out to be known by the Lord in seeking to know Him.  This can only be done by personally seeking Him in His Word and obeying the Holy Spirit’s lead.