Taking Another Test

          I have taken a lot of tests in my lifetime.  It seemed that every time I completed a course or a grade or some specific period in my life, I had to take a test.  I started out in a one room school that had four grades in it and at the end of the year, I had to take a test.  I got to listen to the teacher as she taught the grades above me and so I progressed well in the little one room school especially when the time for the test came.    When people hear the word "test" it seems to drive them crazy. I haven't found too many people who really enjoy taking a test. After all, you go through 12 years of public school taking all kinds of tests. Then, you take a driver's test. Then, there are all of the tests in college.  One college professor didn't call them tests.  He called them an opportunity to express back that which you had studied.   So, when you get on in your life you feel is if you have had enough tests and you don't want to take any more. But, God didn't leave the "testing" period out of the Bible. The Book of First John has a number of tests in it. These tests are to determine if you are a true believer or not. There are at least 16 different tests to determine if you are a believer. Finally, John concludes with the words found in First John 5:13 says, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 

         This is the major reason that the book was written in the first place. The key word for me in this verse is the word "know" that appears in the middle of the verse: "...That ye may know that ye have eternal life..." Now, that is something good to know.   The word "know" does occur some 27 different times in this little book.  The book also contains a number of tests that are much like this one.  You can find about 16 basic tests that can be mentioned in regard to being a believer.  Now, the preceding verses, verses 11 and 12, give us one of the most basic tests for a believer. He who has the Son has life... How about you? Can you take the tests that are given in First John?  Even though we have many different types of tests in our life, the tests mentioned in this book will culminate in whether or not we are truly born again.  So, take a few more tests.  These won't hurt and they may give you some valuable information in regard to your future.  Rejoice today in the fact that God has loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins and to give us eternal life.