What is it like to be a true Christian?
Being a True Christian Brings Joy
Before we are saved we follow our own hearts desires. We serve our own gods. And we make decisions based on what feels good or what we believe will make us happy. Those who are unsaved find that despite the world’s promises of joy, there is in fact no lasting or genuine joy. Although each person’s salvation experience varies in some ways, one common emotion is joy.
Everyone who is genuinely saved experiences true joy at salvation. This joy comes knowing that one is free from the power of sin and at peace with the Creator. Some describe this feeling being like a burden being lifted from the soul and joy in the knowledge of being truly forgiven.
A Desire to Please God through Holiness
A second feeling is the desire to please one’s Savior through growth in sanctification. Sanctification is a fancy word for progress or transformation towards holiness. A Christian will experience sanctification throughout their entire life. It will not always be easy or be at the same degree. James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4 ESV emphasis added).
A true believer will trust God and will continue to do what is right despite the struggles in life. This does not mean one will stop sinning. But there will be a patterns of growth in holiness and repentance. This won’t be out of obligation, but out of a love for God. Of all the best resources in the Bible for a believer’s assurance, 1 John is arguably the best. It goes into great detail about what a true Christian looks like as well as how to evaluate if you are one. Take some time to study 1 John to see if your life lines up with what God says a true Christian should look like.