Examining ourselves is a Biblical principle, and 1 Corinthians 11:28 would encourage us to examine ourselves before we even partake of the Lord's table. 2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine ourselves as to whether we are actually saved or not.
Personally i've often considered my own stance before Holy God; am i truly saved? This has often led to pleadings before His throne and a period of stumbling in a fog of guilt that clouds my sight and understanding of the Gospel. Both my wife and a very close friend have pointed out (and rebuked) that i tend to feel unworthy because of sin, even to the point that i cannot pray or read my Bible because of the paralyzing weight upon me. This is not where Godly examination leads! Rather it leads to the Gospel & to sanctification!
I have to continually realign my thoughts with Scripture reminding myself that i live not as a slave to the law; working for salvation and peace, but as one who has freely been redeemed by Christ. In this i also have to check my desires towards 'good works' so that they flow from having been redeemed rather than in some vain attempt to earn it. with this in mind, and with even a recent rebuke (on my birthday - a loving gift from my wife) i'm thinking through a foundation & goal of self-examination as well as how to do it. I'll post on these over the coming week.
Examining Ourselves is good because:
- Personally speaking, nothing is more important than the assurance of salvation & peace with God.
- It is an opportunity to see the sin in our life.
- It is also an opportunity to refresh our understanding of the Gospel, assess idolatry in our lives, and see if we are trusting anything above Christ.
- We are able to apply the Gospel of Christ and to confess & repent.
- If others are/were involved we can make restoration or restitution as necessary.
- We can begin setting boundaries in order to avoid certain temptations, seek help or accountability and begin gouging out the eye or cutting off the hand (Matt 5:29-30).
