⁶But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.

Yes, it is glorious for someone to “test” and “examine” him or herself and conclude, “I’ve passed, and not failed.” But each one must do this for himself. Paul, when subjecting himself to this admonishment, concludes that he himself has genuine faith. Paul’s teaching here is not left as an esoteric thought to ponder and consider without coming to a definitive conclusion. Some people seem to enjoy living their lives with that kind of uncertainty and pass it off as a sort of humility. To say as Paul says, “I passed,” is not a statement or position of arrogance but one of certainty.

We must be clear, the test is not to determine whether a true believer has lost his or her salvation. In other words, this passage does not address the issue of eternal security, that is, whether or not a true believer can lose salvation. Rather, this passage addresses the issue of assurance, whether a person really does have saving faith, whether an individual has in fact become a “new creature.” The evidence in the Corinthians’ lives and behavior brings this into question. One could be truly saved but not have assurance because of lack of knowledge or temporary backsliding behavior. However, a genuine believer cannot lose eternal life. But assurance must be tested.

Faith brings assurance to rest, so we need not live with continual doubt about our assurance. That is not Paul’s intention here. But when persistent behavior does not change, then assurance should not be taken for granted. Clearly, just being part of a Christian church is not enough. Partaking in the Lord’s Supper or even being baptized is not enough, for the Corinthians had all of those, yet Paul says they need to test themselves.

This test involves a serious look at one’s behavior in light of Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). It is a sober reflection inwardly that evaluates one’s own behavior and attitude, with God as witness. A person may fool others, and even himself, into thinking his life has been transformed, when in reality it has not. Testing involves seeking God like King David did when he wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts …” (Ps. 139:23). It includes inviting the Holy Spirit to bring conviction in the light of God’s holiness and humbling oneself before a righteous God.

The only way this assurance can be settled is when it is based on genuine faith, walking continuously in light of God’s presence and His knowledge. This does not assume perfection, but it does mean we are ever moving forward in knowing and growing in Christ and Him crucified.

Lord, I thank You that I can confidently say, “Yes, I too, have passed the test!”