A Biblical Call to Examine Our Faith
Have you ever read a quote that stuck with you—one you just couldn’t forget? That happened to me recently. I came across an excerpt in a novel that held such profound truth, it stirred something in me. I kept thinking about it and even wrote a Facebook post about it.   I also wanted to share it here, hoping some of you find it helpful— even convicting. Or maybe you know someone who will. Regardless, it only benefits us to examine our faith.
A Sobering Spiritual Tension
There’s a sobering spiritual tension here, one that requires deep discernment.
What struck me was this:
“Doubts about salvation can be the enemy’s attack upon true believers. Yet [the Bible] says we should examine ourselves to see whether we are of the faith. We must make sure first we are his followers before we seek assurance. The enemy seeks to accuse us that we are not what we are. But just as surely, he seeks to assure us we are what we are not.”
— Chinese persecuted Christian, Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn
The Enemy’s Strategy: Accusation and False Assurance
There’s a kind of spiritual irony in the enemy both accusing true believers and assuring false ones.
Part of the problem lies in how our culture has diluted the word “believe.” It’s been reduced to mental agreement with a creed or doctrine. But in Scripture, the word “believe” is often used interchangeably with “obey.” That’s another point of tension.
What Scripture Means by Obedience
When the Bible speaks of obedience, it’s not demanding mere behavior modification. That’s not the transforming salvation of the gospel. But at the same time—a faith that doesn’t change you? It should be questioned.
Jesus turned the world upside down because He wasn’t looking for external conformity—He was after inner transformation that leads to outward change. We become new people as He works in us (Philippians 2:13).
If we aim for obedience without heart-level change, we drift into cold duty. And like the Pharisees, we end up clinging to the letter of the law while missing the spirit behind it. We miss the forest for the trees.
But if we aim for “belief” without obedience? We deceive ourselves. That’s dead faith (James 2:14-20).
Scripture Commands Us to Examine Ourselves
That’s why Paul said:
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”
— 2 Corinthians 13:5
So how do we examine our faith?
Scripture gives us both guidance and clarity. Below, I’ve listed a few passages that serve as a starting point. I won’t write them out, because I want to encourage you to pick up your Bible and read them for yourself. Read them in context and let the living Word of God speak directly to you.
Begin with Prayer
Before you begin, pray with me:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
— Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT)
Come with humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine you under the light of God’s Word. Be willing to hear what you need to hear, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
Scripture for Self-Examination & Assurance
- 1 John 2:1–6
- 1 John 3:1–24
- John 15:5–8
- Matthew 7:15–23
- Galatians 5:13–25
- Romans 7:18–8:16
- James 2:14–26
- Ephesians 2:1–10
- Philippians 1:6; 2:12–13
- Hebrews 10:22–23
- Jude 24
My Prayer for You
For those who have been falsely assured—may His Word break the illusion, lead to repentance, and guide you into true discipleship.
For those who truly belong to Him but wrestle with doubt—may His Word silence the accusations, and lead you into rest, joy, and peace in Christ.
Amen.
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