We Can See the Fruit

James 2:26
"For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

Works are the evidence that we have been changed into a new creation, but the works themselves also are accompanied by an over all attitude change. Because our entire way of thinking is changed it affects our actions.

Those who say they are Christians but remain arrogant, unteachable and vengeful were probably never born again. Christ comes into a new believer and entirely changes the way they think.

The Holy Spirit convicts the born again believer of sinful attitudes, lifestyles and all actions. One can silence the Holy Spirit by refusing to listen to Him, but they will suffer the consequences of that silence.

1 Thessalonians 5:19
19 Do not quench (silence) the Spirit;

When the Holy Spirit stops speaking to the born again believer they can expect discipline that will bring them back to obedience.

Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"

The born again believer will become ashamed of their sin when confronted by another believer.

However, one who fights, argues, exacts revenge and refuses to listen to correction is likely not born again.

Jeremiah 6:14-15 "…14 They have dressed the wound of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all. 15 Were they ashamed of the abomination they committed? No, they were not at all ashamed. They did not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse,” says the LORD. "

In our day Christians have stopped correcting one another creating an atmosphere of rebellion against correction. Many in the church gathering are not born again but claim they are "Christians."

Matthew 7:15-20
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
17 So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 So then, you will [c]know them by their fruits."

Galatians 5:22-23
"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

Pretenders will always be angry at correction as well as any talk about "pretenders." Rather than evaluating themselves they dive deeper into anger and revenge. This is a very good sign someone is a pretender never having been changed into a new creation by Christ they will defending their sin as though it were not sin.

Romans 2:7-9 "…7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;…"