There Must Be Shame

An authentic believer senses a deep shame when they sin. If someone does not have this sense of shame, even defending their sin, then I am doubtful that they have the Holy Spirit.

One who does not have the Holy Spirit is not born again and never has been.

Many who call themselves "Christian" have never been born again, they have merely made the decision to join a group or church gathering, there was never a sense of shame or regret over their sinfulness.

Without brokenness over sin, a person cannot become born again.

Matthew 5:3-4 "3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.…"

A refusal to admit sinfulness is the biggest clue that someone has never become born again.

Those who have mourned, leaned their sinfulness and turned to Christ to be changed into a new creation by Him, are deeply comforted, while the joy floods into their hearts from the realization that Christ paid the penalty of sin and will be the one to do the work in them.

Ephesians 2:10
"10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

If someone believes they are keeping their salvation by their own works, good deeds or lack of bad behavior, they cannot be trusting Christ, they are still attempting to make into heaven by their own efforts.

Ephesians 2:8-9
"8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast."