Passing Men’s Tests

People whose religion demands procedures and ceremonies as the defining mark of having been “saved” will always ask questions of people they meet to determine if the people are “qualified.”

“Have you been baptized?” “Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus?” Have you been immersed in baptism?” “Have you spoken in tongues?” “Have you been through the new believers’ training?” “Have you joined the church?”

I am convinced a more effective question would be, “Are you under the influence of your new King?” If you are under His influence, but not yet a believer, you could become a believer. If you are under His influence, it should be evident by the change in your values and attitude and behavior. This answer is not based on the experience of a crisis, but on the process of a surrendered life.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible ©®)