Tuesday, February 2, 2010

But how shall I know that I am born again?

These days I am reading in John Bunyan's works. It is something that seems very beneficial to my soul at this particular time. I'd like, if you do not mind, to share some excerpts from his articles using this blog. 

Mr. Bunyan's writings are simple but sharp and his thoughts are brief but penetrating. They are full of Christ and so they are full of truth. Since he wrote in the 1600's the language is the Elizabethan style, keep that in mind as you read. I recognize that he is only flesh and blood and therefore subject to error, so read it as you would any man, with one eye on the scriptures.

Right now I'm reading his article titled Some Gospel Truths Opened. This gem was his first publication.  We will jump into the middle of this book where he asks and answers the question "But how shall I know that I am born again?". He gives 8 examinations.



Examination 1
 Thou thinkest that thou art a Christian; thou shouldest be sorry else: well, but when did God shew thee that thou wert no Christian? When didst thou see that: and in the light of the Spirit of Christ, see that thou wert under the wrath of God because of original sin? Rom 5:12

Nay, dost thou know what original sin means? Is it not the least in thy thoughts? And dost thou not rejoice in secret, that thou art the same that thou ever wert? 

If so, then know for certain that the wrath of God to this very day abideth on thee. Jn 3:36
And if so then thou art one of those that will fall in the judgement, except thou art born again, and made a new creature, 2 Cor. 5:17.




Supporting scriptures:
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom 5:12


He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. Jn 3:36


Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17

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