"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves" (2 Cor. 13:5a).
The Corinthians had been challenging Paul to prove himself. Now Paul turns the tables on them by telling them to examine themselves to see whether they have true faith in Christ. If they are able to discern the state of their own souls, then it follows that they will be able to discern the truth and sincerity of his relation to Christ.
There are two generalities that we learn from this text: first, that we discern true faith by its fruit and through careful self-examination; second, that assurance of our salvation is not essential to faith. Looking at the first point, we learn how necessary it is for us to examine ourselves and not assume that we are in the kingdom just because our parents were believers, because we go to church, or because we made some kind of profession of faith years ago. We must look for fruit. That fruit will not be perfect because we are still growing and developing, but it will be there. If we do not bear godly fruit, if we are continuing to live in known sin, then we cannot assume that we are saved. Quite the contrary, we must consider ourselves “disqualified,” those still in bondage to sin. If this is the case, then there is only one thing to do and that is to repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Himself said that you will know a tree by its fruit. “A good tree does not bear bad fruit.” Such “bad fruit” includes living in sin, blaspheming God, denying the truth, rejecting the faith, and having a form of religion while possessing no power in the Spirit. Any of these is a mark of an unbeliever. What evidences of true faith are we to look for? They are numerous: trust in Christ (Heb. 3:6), no love for the world, love for other Christians, obedience to God (Matt. 7:21), growth in holiness (Heb. 12:14; 1 John 3:3), fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23), maintaining sound doctrine (1 John 4:2), calling God your Father by the power of the Spirit (Rom. 8:15–16), and longing for Christ’s return.
The list can be even longer, and it is important to read the Scriptures so you will know what kind of fruit to look for as you examine yourself to prove whether you are truly a follower of Christ or a Christian in name only.
Paul’s exhortation in this passage is vital to the life of every person who professes to be a Christian. We can be easily deceived about the state of our own souls. As you daily read the Bible, look for one thing that should be manifested in your life. Do you bear that fruit even a little? This will get you started on the process of self-examination.
