This week's question is one that I have received over and over again throughout my years of ministry. The question comes to me in a variety of ways. Most of them sound a little something like this, "I was baptized a number of years ago, but how do I know if I am really saved?" The person asking the question starts by sharing his background of church life and activity. He, however, continues to have questions and doubts about what took place. And, this is the question that I received this Tuesday in the "stump Tod Tuesday" questions.
I would like to seek an answer to this question by providing a variety of passages and seeing if we can find a theme from the passages. Jesus said, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He (the Father) takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:2). Jesus also said, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matt. 7:19). John the Baptist said, "The axe is already laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matt. 3:10). I could continue to provide passages from the apostle Paul as well as Jesus' brother James, but I think we might already be able to detect a theme.
The evidence of an individuals salvation is the fruit that he produces. Let me say it again, the evidence is not simply attending a Sunday service when nothing else is on the social calendar. The evidence is the fruit that is found in the life of the believer.
It becomes vitally important to understand what fruit is and is not. It is not seeking to lead as many people as one can in a "sinner's prayer." If this was the case, then Paul, the disciples and Jesus Himself would not have any fruit as they did not do this. Instead, the fruit that we are to produce is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). When the Holy Spirit resides within someone these characteristics are evident within the life of that individual. This does not mean that an individual is always perfect in all of these things. But, it does mean that the characteristics are seen by the individual as well as others around him.
The question for you and me now becomes, is there evidence of the fruits of the Spirit in my life? If yes, praise God. If, however, the answer is no, I urge you to consult what the Bible has to say about those who show no fruit.
