Matthew chapter 7 is one of my favorite chapters because it addresses many of the fallacies and false assurances of today's contemporary “Christians.” I put Christians in quotes because so many church-goers are not born again but just label themselves as Christians. Many today equate being a Christian with doing good deeds... engaging in ”Christian” activities...or living a clean life. The warning Jesus gave should shock and demand evaluation:

21 “Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,' but still won't get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven. 22 At the Judgment many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out demons and to do many other great miracles.' 23 But I will reply, ‘You have never been mine Go away, for your deeds are evil.' (Matthew 7:21-23 TLB)

I have come to know one of the tell-tale signs of genuine regeneration is how the person relates to others. Tendencies toward fault-finding, resentment, jealousy, paranoia, thinking the worst of, holding grudges. When God changes the heart of a person these attitudes are replaced by being “very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, 5 never haughty or selfish or rude...does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 TLB) This is a significant test of true regeneration. Indeed, it is a supernatural change that takes place

Let me ask you this: Would you give up your son or daughter so that that “sinner” of yours could be saved? That's what God did (Romans 5:6-8). That's the character God gives to everyone who is regenerated and Spirit led. This becomes one of those “tests of life” found in 1 John. My prayer for you and me today is this: Lord, help us to love others as You have loved us. If we don't, let us examine ourselves: “to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5). Our attitude toward others is such a test. May we be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48). Such lavish grace cannot be earned, so just receive it with gladness this new year.