Tests of Knowing God from 1 John

Going through some paperwork the other day when I came across this gem that I put together a few years ago. This is from the book of First John and describes at least 44 characteristics of those who know God. This is helpful in discerning our own spiritual condition as well as helping us to discern whether or not others have experienced the new birth in Christ.

Those who know God:

Do not walk in darkness-1:6
Admit their sin-1:8
Keep His commandments-2:3
Have the love of God perfected in them-2:5
Walk as Christ walked-2:6
Love their brothers-2:9
Have no cause for stumbling-2:10
Walk in the light-2:11
Know where they are going, do not stumble-2:11
Remain in fellowship with God’s children-2:19
Have an anointing from the Holy One, and know all things-2:20
Acknowledge the Father and the Son-2:22-23
Practice righteousness-2:29
Are strangers in this world-3:1
Are His children-3:2
Will be like Him when He is revealed-3:2
Will one day see Him as He is-3:2
Do not continue in sin-3:9
Cannot continue in sin-3:9
Practice righteousness-3:10
Love the brethren-3:10
Are hated by the world-3:13
Have eternal life abiding in them-3:15
Love in deed and in truth-3:19
Receive what they ask from God-3:22
Keep His commandments-3:22
Do what is pleasing in His sight-3:22
Believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ-3:23
Love one another-3:23
Abide in God-3:24
Have God abiding in them-3:24
Have God’s Spirit abiding in them-3:24
Confess Jesus Christ-4:2
Overcome the world-4:4
Hear the apostle’s teaching-4:6
Love one another-4:7
Have God’s love perfected in them-4:12
Know and believe the love God has for them-4:16
Have boldness in the day of judgment-4:17
Do not continue in sin-5:1
Keep themselves safe-5:18
Are not touched by the wicked one-5:18
Know that the Son of God has come-5:20
Have been given understanding, so that they may know Him who is true-5:22