"Test Yourselves"

“Examine yourselves, 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 ESV)

Do the spiritually dead know they are dead? Physically dead is easy to see, the brain, the heart, the lungs, and all motor functions stop. However, being spiritually dead is another issue. Paul told us to test ourselves in the faith continually, and this self-examination is crucial for our spiritual growth. But what does that mean?

In Ephesians 2:1, Paul wrote, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins,” meaning we are unable to respond to God, and we are spiritually dead. One can appear alive in the spirit. Some attend church regularly, read their Bible, and even serve in ministries, yet spiritually they are dead. We who are saved remain sinners. However, we are convicted by the Spirit of our sins and continue our lives in repentance. You can change your mind all you want, but only God can change your heart.

A heart of stone is not always visible, but Jesus knows our hearts. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus told the Pharisees, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness”(23:27-28). While appearing righteous, citing doctrine, and singing hymns, the spiritually dead maintain a hardened heart.

One must see the depravity of their life. They must face the depth of their sin. The hardened heart is blinded to sin. Those who are of the world are blind to the sins they commit every day. This is why we preach the gospel. It is the only way that the door to salvation can be opened. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”(Romans 10:17). We have all seen the unrepentant heart, sometimes in those we love, and it is heartbreaking to think they may never know salvation and the peace that comes in Christ.

So, back to the original question, do the dead know they are dead? No, they are often deceived by a form of godliness lacking the Holy Spirit's transformative power. Usually, their activities are self-serving, a way of self-reassurance doomed to failure. Their religion is external, their morality is cultural, and their devotion is to the self. Spiritual deadness is not always indicated by external rebellion, which is why it is dangerous. One can appear to be saved without the transformative power of the grace of Christ and remain that way until it is too late. No one wants to hear these horrible words, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

We should all take Paul’s advice and test ourselves in faith. Are we truly living for Christ? Is our life centered on Him or on ourselves? Where are we with our sin issues? Struggling with sin is one thing if we are convicted of it, but sinning without thinking is another. For me, the biggest question is, do you see the eternal treasure that is Jesus? Is He your desire above all desires? Do you find your satisfaction in Christ, or are you searching elsewhere?  Our glorification of God is best seen in our satisfaction in God, which means finding our joy, peace, and fulfillment in our relationship with Him. When we are completely overwhelmingly satisfied in our lives because of our relationship with God, He is most glorified by us.

The mere fact that we worry about our relationship with God shows a healthy fear and respect for God. Solomon wrote, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10) When we know and fear the Lord, we have true insight into His divine being. Check yourself often in the faith; no one wants to be turned away by the Lord on the last day.

If you do not know the Lord, remember, time is precious; do not wait any longer. No one knows if they will take the next breath but the Lord. Seek Christ now; salvation can only be had by grace, through faith, in Christ Jesus. The urgency of this call to salvation should not be underestimated.

Grace and Peace!