What kind of things can help us know we are growing? Ultimately, God and each person in their own heart, mind, and soul can know about salvation. He separates, not us. But I thought Jonathan Edwards's thoughts on evidences of faith that can be signs of truly gracious affections was encouraging.
He talks about how Paul didn't just look to his words, and the things coming from his mouth, but also to his actions. Of course, no actions can ever achieve salvation. They cannot even enter God's sight. We have nothing to give him. We plead the blood of Christ alone. But faith without works is dead. By the Spirit, Paul chased Christ.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. "
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB
And he talks about Peter. Peter, by the Spirit, examined his actions to see where his heart truly went for hope and happiness. And how incredible this scripture is! Do we have the courage to ask ourselves these questions? I pray that we will examine our actions too.
"For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you."
2 Peter 1:4-11 NASB
Are we increasing? Are we training for righteousness? Are we sprinting? Are we thirsting and growing? I pray that we will. I pray this. Father help us.
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