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December 6, 1999
Check Yourself
Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. —1 Peter 3:15

Because my job often involves interviewing people, I frequently ask them, "How did you become a Christian?"

If I were to pose that question to you, how would you respond? Could you provide a clear, biblical answer?

Perhaps it's time for you to make sure you understand the basics of salvation. Not so you can answer a reporter's question, but so you can know for sure that you have indeed become a child of God.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Have I recognized that I've committed sin against God? Romans 3:23 says we have all sinned and have fallen short of God's perfect standard. It's because of our sin that salvation is so vital. We need to be forgiven.
  • Have I acknowledged that Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin, and have I asked Him to be my personal Savior? (Rom. 10:9-10). Salvation is not a matter of trying to live like Jesus or believing that He was a good man. It's accepting as a gift what He did for us.
  • Do I desire to live in a way that pleases Christ? This gives evidence that our faith in Him is genuine (1 Jn. 2:3-6).

Do you know you are saved? It's the most important question you'll ever answer.  — Dave Branon

I know I'm a sinner and Christ is my need;
His death is my ransom, no merit I plead.
His work is sufficient, on Him I believe;
I have life eternal when Him I receive. —Anon.
To get into heaven, it's who you know that counts.

Bible in One Year: Revelation 1–5; Proverbs 23:29-35
http://rbc.org/devotions.aspx?id=4328
© 2008 RBC MINISTRIES, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC Ministries for any further posting or distribution.