2 Corinthians 13:5; Examine Yourselves
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
They themselves were the proof of his apostleship. It was through him that they were led to the Savior. If they wanted to see his credentials, they should look at themselves… But Paul is not telling the Corinthians to engage in self-examination as a proof of their salvation. Rather he is asking them to find in their salvation a proof of his apostleship. [MacDonald]
As for his faith in Christ, the Apostle Paul boldly declared in 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Daniel W. Whittle wrote these words of proof of his faith in Christ entitled “I Know Whom I Have Believed”.
- I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.- Refrain:
But “I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
- Refrain:
- I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart. - I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him. - I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see. - I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
May this be our assurance too. Amen.