And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:3-6

Are you a Christian? Millions , perhaps Billions of people claim to be a Christian, but the Apostle John says here “We do know that we know him (Christ), if we keep his (Christ) commandments” Are we keeping Christ’s commandments? Do we truly love Jesus Christ as our Lord? Or do we just like the thought of eternal life ? There’s a big difference between claiming you are a Christian and actually living like a Christian.

Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) There are many people who claim to love Jesus, but they don’t live like they love Jesus. Think about a Parent/Child relationship, the child claims to love their parents, yet doesn’t do anything they ask them to do. Is this love to be disobedient and disrespectful? No this isn’t true love, because true love is action, its not just words or feelings, it’s actually demonstrating your allegiance to someone.

The Apostle John goes on to say “He that says , I know him, and keeps not his (Christ’s) commandments, is a liar” Those who claim to be a Christian and not live like Christ are a liar, they are deceived. Anyone can claim to be something, but if you don’t know or do that thing, you are a liar. For example, I can claim to be a doctor, but if I never practice medicine, if I never was educated, ect. Am I really a doctor? No, I’m deceived, you can;t just claim to be something and not live that identity.

When I was younger, I always claimed to be a Christian, I heard of Jesus therefore I believed I was a Christian. I was decieved, I wasn’t a Christian, I didn’t put my full faith in Jesus Christ , I didn’t submit to Christ’s authority and teachings, I was a false convert like many. But when I truly repented of my sins, I submitted my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord, I was Born Again by the Holy Spirit, I walk in the newness of life, I abide in Christ and Christs abides in me

The Apostle John goes on to say “Whoever claims to abide in him (Christ), ought himself walk just as He (Christ) walked” If we claim to be a Christian, we need to walk like Christ, if you don’t your a liar according to the Holy Spirit. You can’t claim to be a Christian and not abide in Christ, we need to walk with and for Jesus. Everything we do should be for the glory of God, not for ourselves. 

Let’s examine ourselves, are we truly a Christian or are we deceived? If we claim to be a Christian, do we abide in Jesus? Do we keep Christs commandments? Do we love the Lord God with ALL our heart, mind, and soul? Amen!