Most Read Bible Verses----#33---II Corinthians 5:17-18

II Corinthians 5:17-18 (NLT)

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!  And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to Him. 

II Corinthians 5:17 is the very first of 60 basic verses that the Navigators Topical Memory System recommends memorizing.  It represents a brand new beginning for a person who has chosen to live the rest of his/her life as a follower of Christ. 

How do you know for sure that you are a Christian?  Well, first, study I John 1:9-10 and 2:3-11.  Here are at least ten evidences of being a Christian:

1.   Do you freely and openly confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord?

2.   Do you acknowledge your sins and confess them?

3.   Have you removed any and all habitual sin from your life?

4.   Do you do all you can to obey God’s commandments?

5.   Do you love others?

6.   Are you bearing fruit in others’ lives through a God-given ministry?

7.   Is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) evident in your daily life?

8.   Do you love reading/studying and listening to His Word?

9.   Do you consistently pray?

10.  Do you love spiritual things more than worldly things? (I John 2:15-16)?

Likely you will not be happy with your answers to some of these questions.  This gives you motivation to work on these limitations and keep growing in your faith and obedience to Christ.  On the positive side, make a list of all the positive changes in your life as a new creation in Christ compared to the old life and person you used to be.  Even if there are actions and attitudes that still seep in from the old life, do you recognize them now as sinful and ask for forgiveness?    

As a Christian, the Bible clearly states that you are to help others see their need for Jesus Christ who will reconcile man’s sinfulness with God’s holiness.  With whom can you share Christ today?