1 John 3:23
[23] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
God publicly announced his approval of his Son at his baptism, and again on the mount of transfiguration. These two incidents are not the only times that we see God’s approval on his Son, but they would have been enough to convince anyone that Jesus was the Son of God.
Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for man to have a right relationship with God. You cannot know God without knowing his Son, Jesus Christ. Many cults have been created as a form of false religion. They all declare the same damnable heresy. They teach men that you can have a relationship with a god, or the God, without believing in Jesus Christ. We must follow his command to put our trust in Christ alone.
Jesus also gave believers the command to love one another. A true believer will be obedient to both of these commands. They will believe in Jesus Christ and love other believers. This comes naturally for a saved person, but it is foreign to a lost person.
My concern is for the untold numbers who profess to be saved, but they trust in themselves rather than Christ. They think their good works or religious accomplishments are enough to get them to heaven. Just because someone knows the lingo, and is familiar with the format of Christianity, it does not mark them as a true believer. Love must be the overwhelming mark of genuine salvation. This same crowd finds it difficult to get along with pastors, preachers and other members of the church. Christians love the Savior, and have a love for one another. If you find it difficult to follow his commandment of love, then do inventory in your heart today.