How do we know that? How do I know I'm a Christian? How do I know I've crossed over into life?

Because we love the brethren. There is a simple test, beloved. Do you care about other believers?

Or are you utterly cold, uncaring, and indifferent? Or do you have a desire to reach out and meet their needs?

That's the test.

Welcome to Grace to you with the Bible teaching of John MacArthur. I'm your host, Phil Johnson.

Standard equipment for carpenters is what's known as a try square.

It's basically two straight edges in the shape of the letter L. This simple device allows you quickly to try or test the edges of a wooden board to see if they're square. Well, much more important than checking for straight

woodwork is your ability to check for straight doctrine, to know if a person who claims to be

speaking the true gospel really is proclaiming it. John MacArthur is going to show you why being

able to discern spiritual truth is one of the keys to

experiencing assurance of salvation. Now, here's today's lesson from John's study, myths about

salvation. How can we, as believers, enjoy the assurance of salvation? How can I be sure my faith is saving faith? How can I be sure my life

is new life in Christ? Obviously, this is a vital matter for our joy and for our peace

as Christians. Let's go back to 1 John. A number of the New

Testament writers, of course, are very, very concerned about this matter of true salvation,

as was our Lord Jesus himself.

And John dedicates actually the entire first epistle to this subject.

In chapter one, for example, let me put you in touch with verse four.

John says, these things we write so that our joy may be made complete. He's saying the purpose of the writing of this epistle is that together we might rejoice. Certainly inherent in that joy

is the confidence of true salvation.

At the end of this epistle, chapter 5 and verse 13, he sums it up with this very important

and somewhat thematic statement, these things I have written to you who believe in the name

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