I hope I’m wrong. Based on what I read in the Bible, it is my conviction that those who are saved will bear the fruit of their salvation (Matthew 7:16-20). They will love the Lord with all their heart and have a deep hunger for His Word (Psalm 119:97). They will have a deep desire to keep His commandments and show an ever-increasing success in accomplishing that (John 14:15).
The way I read scripture informs me those who love the Lord will put aside the things of this world and obsess over the promised Kingdom to come (Colossians 3:1-2). But I hope I’m wrong about all of that because, if it’s true, many, perhaps even most, of my friends and family might not be saved after all. Most of those I see at church each week are heading for Hell. I desperately hope I’m wrong.
I believe God saves us by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is nothing any of us can do to deserve or earn our salvation. At the same time, if our salvation is genuine, our lives will bear proof of it (James 2:17-18). You can’t ignore someone you love. You think about them all the time and when you leave that person, you can’t wait until the next time you can be together. Your desire and devotion prove your love for them. The same will be true, but to a far greater extent, for those who love the Lord.
If you’re a new Christian, I understand it’s difficult to not fall back onto habits you’ve had your entire life. But I think there’s a serious problem if you’ve been walking with the Lord for a few years and there is little difference in how you live. Based on what I read in God’s Word, I have to wonder about the sincerity of your conversion. I hope I’m wrong. I can’t see what’s in the heart of anyone, but Jesus said we will recognize fellow believers by the fruit of their life. So, if you have no fruit, where is your proof (Matthew 7:20)?
If I’m right, then someone who has been saved will hunger for God’s Word and His righteousness (Matthew 5:6). The things of this world will not distract them, and they will love the Lord with everything they’ve got (Mark 12:30). They won’t coast through life content that their eternity is secure and think nothing else is required of them. And they will not be silent when someone mocks or blasphemes the Holy God. They will be strong and unshaken (1 Corinthians 15:58).
But I hope I’m wrong because some days I don’t measure up either. It is the deep desire to be more like Christ every day that keeps my doubt at bay. It’s the ache in my heart whenever I sin or neglect my Savior that convinces me His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). I hope you share the same burden and the same ache, because if you don’t, how are you any different from those without Christ?
If you love Jesus, I think every sin has to wreck you and you will to desire to spend every moment you can with Him. If that’s not you, then maybe take another look at whether your confession of Him was ever genuine. Do you really love Him like you say you do? Perhaps there’s more to following Christ than you’ve been putting into it. But I hope I’m wrong.