If someone says they "became a Christian" but nothing changes in their heart or their lives then we must challenge them with the gospel all over again. Those who are born again no longer think the way they used to think, they no longer operate in the same way.
When we trust in Christ He changes us completely into a new creation. Our flesh is still sinful but we begin a battle between our flesh and the Holy Spirit Who lives in us.
We are not satisfied with only salvation, we want to grow in holiness, we are offended at what offends God and ashamed when we do not please Him.
This hatred toward sin and shame if we do sin is what leads us to confess to be cleansed by Christ.
1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
In these last days, even the believers will be deceived, often not sure of what is right and wrong because they do not read the word of God and pray for understanding.
Some believers will grow strong and become wise over their years, others will grow only a little because they neglect to be separated from the world and still others will be steeped in the world deciding to remain partly in the world and partly changed.
There will be those who will barely squeak into heaven without much if any reward but they will be saved. As the last days progress toward the end of the church age we will have difficulty discerning who is born again and who is not.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 "…14 If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss. He himself will be saved, but only as if through the flames. 16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?…"
Which type of believer do you want to be, the one who has a little reward or the one who has great reward?
If we are not persecuted but loved by the world then we have not been born again. If our life demonstrates devotion to Christ there will be many who will hate us.
Acts 5:41
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Seek Christ in all matters and obey His word out of love for Him and the rewards in heaven will be amazing.
Matthew 5:12 "11Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
Romans 5:3
"Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;"
Philippians 1:29
"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,"
