Jan, the leader of the group, was surprised when Karin asked to talk with her and began by saying, “I’m not sure if I’m a Christian or not. I would miss the group if I ever left, and I get a lot out of studying the Bible. But what does it really mean to be a Christian?” 

Perhaps you are in the same spot Karin was. If so, what Jan told her will help you. First, Jan asked Karin if she had ever asked Jesus to be her Savior. Was there a definite time when she told Him she knew she was a sinner, that she could not save herself, and she wanted Him to be her Savior? Had she ever thanked Jesus for dying on the cross for her sins? Then Jan said to her, “If you have never prayed to God to receive Jesus, the best time to do it is right now.”

Second, Jan told Karin if she had done that, she did not have to do it again. Then Jan recommended some Bible verses that would confirm for her that she had been born again. They would describe for her the relationship she now has with God. The key verse is John 1:12, “To all who received Him [Jesus], to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” When we trust in Christ, we are born into the family of God as permanent members. We are His children, and that relationship will never change.

Additional verses that Jan recommended were 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 5:17; and 1 John 5:12-13. Look them up for yourself. These verses can strengthen your assurance that you have been received into God’s family. 

Still wondering? Get some help from an experienced Christian. Don’t wait. You have everything to gain by making sure! —DE 

REFLECTION

• I will write out below what the verses in the next-to-last paragraph tell me about my relationship to God as a believer. 
• If I am still wondering, is there someone I can talk to about my feelings? When will I do it? 
• Note: Have you recently received Jesus Christ as your Savior? Please write and tell us about it. Write the editor at: degner@rbc.org. (while you're at it, why not tell Charlie too?)