Have you ever wondered if your faith is genuine? If someone accused you of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? These are challenging questions that every believer must face, and they’re exactly what the apostle John addresses in his first letter. John, writing as the last living apostle near the end of the first century, had witnessed many believers who once burned brightly for Christ gradually drift back into their old ways. As a spiritual father to his congregation in Ephesus, he provides three crucial tests to help us examine the authenticity of our faith.
Why Does Authentic Faith Matter?
John tackles a dangerous problem that’s still prevalent today: Christians who confess Christ but don’t follow Him. People who claim intimacy with Jesus while walking in an entirely different direction. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. The apostle balances tender pastoral care with uncompromising truth. He doesn’t coddle his spiritual children, but calls them to holiness while maintaining deep affection for them. His goal is clear: “I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.”
Test #1: Do You Acknowledge Your Sin and Need for an Advocate?
The first test of authentic faith is confession—not just confessing sins, but acknowledging two fundamental truths: that we are sinners and that we need an advocate. John writes, “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one.” The word “advocate” describes a defense attorney, someone who stands in our defense. But unlike earthly lawyers who argue our innocence, Jesus admits our guilt while presenting Himself as the payment.
What Makes Jesus Our Perfect Advocate?
Picture a courtroom where Jesus stands before the Father as our defense attorney. When Satan accuses us, Jesus doesn’t deny our guilt. Instead, He says, “Yes, Father, they’ve done that, but I’ve taken care of it. I’ve paid their price.” This is breathtaking grace. Jesus serves as our advocate before the Father, while the Holy Spirit serves as our advocate here on earth, working within our hearts.
The Danger of Spiritual Pride
Many people refuse to admit they’ve done anything wrong, even when their lives are falling apart. They make excuses or end conversations when confronted with their faults. This reveals a lack of spiritual maturity—an inability to see ourselves as we truly are. We often compare ourselves to others who seem worse than us, convincing ourselves we’re “not that bad.” But authentic faith requires acknowledging that we are sinners who desperately need Jesus as our advocate.
Test #2: Does Your Life Match Your Lips in Keeping His Commandments?
The second test examines our conduct. John doesn’t separate belief from behavior—he understands that genuine faith should change how we live. “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” These are strong words, but John isn’t talking about occasional failures. He’s addressing lifestyle patterns that contradict Christ’s nature.
Evidence of Obedience
John isn’t demanding perfection, but he is looking for evidence of obedience. When you examine the last month of your life, is there proof that you’re striving to follow Christ? Are you praying for strength to overcome sin? Are you making necessary corrections to walk with Jesus daily? This test challenges us to honestly evaluate whether our actions align with our professed faith. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing genuine effort to live according to God’s commands.
Test #3: Are You Walking the Same Way Jesus Walked?
The final test examines our character—who we are when nobody is watching. While we often focus on our reputation (what others think of us), God is more concerned with our character (who we really are). John asks, “Are you walking in the same way that Jesus walked?” The word “walk” refers to our lifestyle, our regular pattern of life. We’re not trying to duplicate Christ’s miracles, but to imitate His character.
The Power of Abiding
To walk like Jesus, we must “abide” in Him. The word “abide” means to remain or dwell. It’s nearly impossible to obey God’s Word if we’re not remaining in it—sitting under its teaching, allowing its accountability, and letting the Holy Spirit apply it to our lives. Think of God’s Word like water flowing over rocks in a stream. Over time, the water smooths even the hardest, most jagged edges. When we remain in God’s Word, allowing it to wash over us consistently, the Holy Spirit smooths our rough edges and transforms our character.
The Problem of Parched Lives
Many believers live like parched lands, only receiving God’s Word during crisis moments—like floods in their lives. But transformation requires a steady stream of God’s Word, not just emergency doses. What are you reading? What are you listening to? What are you watching? Who are you talking to? These influences shape whether God can use your life for His purposes.
God Works from the Inside Out
Unlike our natural tendency to focus on external improvements, God works from the inside out. We want Him to fix our circumstances, make us more attractive, or give us better jobs. But God says, “Those are results—fruit of the work I do in you.” As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” Notice it’s not “on you” but “in you”—God starts at the core of who you are and works outward. God isn’t interested in improving our facade or polishing our presentation to others. He wants to make our faith genuine from the inside out, and we must allow Him to do that transformative work.
Life Application
This week, honestly evaluate your faith using John’s three tests. First, examine your willingness to acknowledge sin and your need for Jesus as your advocate. Are you quick to make excuses, or do you humbly admit your faults and turn to Christ? Second, look for evidence of obedience in your recent actions. Your life doesn’t need to be perfect, but there should be clear signs that you’re striving to follow Christ’s commands. Finally, assess whether you’re consistently abiding in God’s Word, allowing it to shape your character from the inside out. Commit to regular Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship that keeps you connected to the source of transformation. Questions for Reflection: When you fail or sin, do you immediately turn to Jesus as your advocate, or do you try to handle it on your own? If someone observed your life for a month, would they see clear evidence that you’re following Christ? Are you allowing God’s Word to consistently flow through your life like water over rocks, smoothing your rough edges? What areas of your character need God’s transforming work, and are you willing to surrender them to Him?
