We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands (1 John 2:3).
Another spiritual vital sign by which we may be assured that we have eternal life is the continual pursuit of obedience to Jesus as our Lord. When someone is seriously injured physically, the first responders focus on respiration, heartbeat, bleeding, etc. These are the vital signs of physical life. There are also vital signs of spiritual life — indicators that a person is alive spiritually, that he has eternal life through faith in Jesus. A growing sensitivity to sin in a believer’s life is one indicator that he is alive spiritually, and a growing pursuit of obedience is another.
We do not obtain spiritual life by obedience, but we do manifest spiritual life by obedience. 1 John 2:3-6 states, 3“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”
A meek heart that desires to obey the loving commands of the Heavenly Father is a spiritual vital sign; an indicator that one has come to know God as his Heavenly Father through faith in Jesus, His Beloved Son. If there is a love for God’s commands and a desire to obey Him in your heart, even though you stumble and fail along the way, this is evidence of eternal life. Take courage, your Heavenly Father is at work in your life.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, work in my heart by Your Spirit both to will and to work for Your good pleasure. Enable me more and more to live a life of obedience, to Your glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.