The test of knowing God

The test of knowing God

There is however, a test by which one can know who is of the truth and who is not. Calling on the name of Jesus and performing miracles in His name is no proof that the individual is of the truth, because we have been forewarned by Jesus Christ saying; “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4-5).

And with regards to performing miracles and casting out demons, remember, the Scribes accused Jesus saying, "He has Beelzebub," and, "By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons." This therefore confirms that, performing miracles and casting out demons is no proof that the individual is from God. The apostle Paul also warned us saying, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (Mark 3:22; 2 Corinthians 2:13-15):

Therefore, what is the test of knowing who is from God and who is not! The test is simple and a believer should not be unsure of him/herself, for we have been instructed saying; “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).

The love towards God is demonstrated by the keeping of His commandments especially the first four which has to do with the manner and time of worship. Jesus said quite emphatically "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

And, the way we express our respect and adoration to Jesus Christ as being the Lord is by observing His Sabbaths. For thus says the Lord; “You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God. You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:30, 26:1-2).

It is therefore abundantly clear that the way one demonstrates love, respect, honor and adoration to Jesus Christ as the LORD is by observing His Sabbaths. And the irony of truth is, one is either the servant of righteousness or the servant of sin, and we all have the prerogative to observe or not to observe them, because we have been admonished saying: “ One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.” When we observe the days the Lord has set aside to worship, we do so at our own volition and give honor and glory to Him as the Lord.

To be continued