"Our assurance of salvation must include a changed life. Confidence that we've truly been saved shouldn't rest on an emotional experience or a prayer we prayed during an altar call years ago. 'I don't care how much you cry during singing or preaching,' Mark Dever states. 'If you do not live a life marked by love toward others, the Bible has no encouragement for you to think that you're a Christian. None.' In 1 Peter 2 we're told to make our calling and election sure. How do we do this? One of the most practical steps we can take is to join a local church. The fact is that you might be someone who needs to have the gospel and its implications clarified in your life. That's why you need the faithful teaching of God's Word by pastors. You need the protection and godly provocation of having other Christians who are willing to challenge sin in your life. And you need other Christians whom you can love. The book of 1 John was written to help people identify the evidence of true salvation in their lives. Do you know one of the primary signs we're told to look for? Genuine love for others (see 1 John 2:9-10). 'Do you want to know that your new life is real?' asks Mark Dever. 'Commit yourself to a local group of saved sinners. Try to love them. Don't just do it for three weeks. Don't just do it for six months. Do it for years. And I think you'll find out, and others will, too, whether or not you love God. The truth will show itself.'"
Stop Dating the Church, page 56
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