2 Cor. 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Self-examination should be a daily exercise for all Christians. Introspection daily will help determine if they are in the faith.
The apostle here says that the Corinthians should examine themselves whether they are in the faith. Paul had this to say of himself, “But I keep control of my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” 1 Corinthians 9:27.
It’s important for Christians to examine themselves concerning their spiritual condition. We should examine whether we be in the faith, because it is a life or death situation, and we can be easily deceived. We are therefore, required to prove our own selves, to cast judgment on our own souls. We must be convinced and assured that Christ lives in us through the medium of His Spirit.
To profess Christianity while proving to be reprobate is most hypocritical. Either we are true Christians or we are great pretenders; and man knows better than you. That religion that will endure the trying times ahead, must be tested and tried. Our walk with Christ will have to endure persecution, affliction and privation without complaining; God’s people will be subjected long periods of disappointments and distresses for Christ’s sake. It will only take genuine faith- the faith of Christ to endure and overcome all the vicissitudes of life. A reprobate will not endure, it will take serious self- sacrifice, a life of unceasing prayer and self-denial.
To be in Christ, and have Christ live in us is extra ordinary, but it is the only way that we can prove to be true Christians. Rom_8:10.
Except ye be reprobates – To be reprobate means: to be vile, unprincipled, corrupted and abominable- which makes our way reprehensible before God. Rom_1:28. The word “reprobates” means not approved, rejected. that which defiles and cannot enter the kingdom of God. There is no escape, examine yourself, are you “reprobate?” They will be cost out by God, to eternal ruin forever.