From Doubt to Assurance: The Power of Self-Examination

Near the end of 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul issues a profound and personal command: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV). This imperative is not a suggestion, nor is it aimed at others; it is a direct challenge for every believer to scrutinize their own heart and faith.

This text serves as a culmination of Paul’s defense of his ministry and his plea for the Corinthian church to reject false teachers. It stands as a compelling reminder to believers across generations to face an essential question: Am I truly in the faith?

The Command to Examine Ourselves

Paul’s command to “examine” and “test” ourselves is rooted in a rhetorical structure that emphasizes personal responsibility. The repetition of “yourselves” in the original Greek underscores that this is not about scrutinizing others but about looking inward. It is human nature to judge others, often harshly, while excusing our own flaws. Jesus addresses this in His Sermon on the Mount, reminding us to first remove the plank from our own eye (Matthew 7:1-5).

Paul’s exhortation invites us to confront uncomfortable truths. Are we more concerned with the sins of the world than with the condition of our own hearts? Do we sit in judgment of others while neglecting the call to examine ourselves?

Avoiding the Ditches: Legalism and Licentiousness

Self-examination can lead to two extremes: legalism, where salvation is viewed as earned through works, and licentiousness, where faith is seen as producing no change in behavior. Paul’s command avoids both errors, calling us to a balanced, gospel-centered self-assessment. True faith is neither devoid of evidence nor dependent on human effort.

Four Key Examinations

When Paul commands self-examination, he is calling for more than a cursory glance at our spiritual state. Here are four areas to consider:

What You Believe
What we believe matters. Christianity is rooted in fundamental truths, such as the resurrection of Jesus, the Trinity, and justification by faith alone. Denying these core doctrines places one outside the bounds of orthodox Christianity. As Paul reminds us, we must ensure we are truly “in the faith,” not merely affirming a generic belief in God but embracing the specific truths of the gospel.

How You Believe
Genuine faith transforms. As James writes, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). While works do not save us, they are evidence of a living faith. A fruitless life suggests an absence of true belief. Jesus’ parable of the soils (Matthew 13:1-23) illustrates this vividly: only the seed planted in good soil bears fruit. Self-examination requires asking whether our faith has produced visible change in our lives.

When You Believe
Faith is not merely a past decision; it is an ongoing reality. Scripture calls us to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23). A one-time profession without enduring faith and obedience is insufficient. The question is not just whether you believed once but whether you believe today.

Why You Believe
Is your faith motivated by love for God or merely a desire to avoid judgment? True faith flows from a heart transformed by God’s grace, producing love for Him and others. Paul writes, “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed” (1 Corinthians 16:22). Love for God is a hallmark of authentic faith.

A Call to Self-Examination

Paul’s command in 2 Corinthians 13:5 is both convicting and hopeful. It challenges us to look beyond superficial assurances and ask the hard questions: Do I truly believe? Has my faith changed my life? Do I love the Lord? These are not meant to foster doubt in genuine believers but to strip away false assurances and lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ.

For those unsure of their faith, this is a wake-up call. The gospel offers hope: salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Repent, believe, and love the Savior who gave His life for you.

For believers, this self-examination should deepen our assurance, as we see the fruit of God’s work in our lives. And it should spur us on to greater love and obedience, knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Conclusion: A God Worth Loving

At the heart of self-examination is the question of love. Do we love God for who He is, or is our faith merely transactional? True faith produces a deep and abiding love for the Savior. As you examine your heart, let this love be your guide and your assurance.

Examine yourself. Test yourself. And in doing so, draw near to the God who first loved you.