In the First Epistle of John, the author, believed to be Apostle John, presents a pretty black-and-white way to identify whether we are, in fact, in Christ. He lists characteristics such as recognition of personal sinfulness, love for the brethren, keeping the Lord's commandments, and having a faith that isn’t merely of word or tongue, but also in deed and truth. I know that for most of us who have studied this Epistle, it can feel like we are John's spiritual punching bag! But John’s purpose is not to beat up believers, but to give us some encouragement. Chapter 2 is a great example of this!

Starting in verse 12, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God abides in you.” 

Here, John presents three levels in a believer's walk, which we'll call stages. The first is Little Children. These believers are relatively new in their journey. They understand that Christ died for their sins and are beginning to learn what it means to live in obedience to Him. His next example is young men—believers who have walked faithfully with our Lord for some time, some time is not necessarily length of time, but more so depth of time. This person is committed to understanding His word and how to apply it to their lives. Finally, John describes the faith we all should aspire to—the faith of a father, someone who has known Christ much longer and shares a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him! I know we're all familiar with the saying, “What Would Jesus Do?” A father or mother knows exactly what Jesus would do and seeks to act accordingly! 

My friend's faith is a lifelong journey, beginning when Christ reveals Himself to us and lasting until we are glorified in Christ. The key is to keep abiding in Christ and pursue ongoing growth in our walk. As we mature and behold the holiness and glory of God, we recognize more fully our need for Christ because of our own sinfulness. Take Apostle Paul, for example.

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul refers to himself as the “least of all Apostles.” Christ has humbled Paul, but Christ's humbling work in his life is not yet fully complete. In reality, he calls himself the worst sinner among the elite chosen to be taught directly by Christ. Roughly 6 years later, Paul writes in Eph 3:8 “To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.” Even here, Paul still places himself ahead of non-believers, saying, “I’m the worst sinner amongst believers.” Some 2-4 years later, Paul writes in 1 Tim 1:15 one of the most humble statements in all Scripture: “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” Paul, a man taught directly by Christ through revelation for 3 years, wrote 13-14 books of the New Testament. He was the key Apostle in establishing the Church’s theological foundation to include Gentiles and unashamedly taught the Gospel to all who would hear. He declares he is the worst of all sinners! 

After walking boldly in the Light of Christ for roughly 3 decades, with unveiled face, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, and growing in the personal and intimate relationship we all desire, Paul comes to the sobering understanding of his complete and utter sinfulness and his absolute need for Christ. Faith is a never-ending race. One that involves a continuous personal observation and repentance until the return of Christ Jesus, in whom all our hope is placed. Are we, like Paul, allowing the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, lay bare our sin, and reveal our absolute need for Christ?