I feel saved therefore I must be saved. Unfortunately, feelings are not always a sign you are right with God (Jeremiah 17:9). You also need to be mindful to align yourself with God’s word.
My religious experiences signify I am right with God. The reality is unbelievers and evil people can also have spiritual experiences (Think of Balaam, who had a donkey speak to him and Pilates wife, who had a vision). Even the bright light and the voice of Jesus that Paul heard on the road to Damascus did not mean that the apostle Paul was saved. He still needed to obey the gospel.
The religious group I am a part of is unified with others so it must be God’s chosen people. Several groups often argue that they are the one true church because they are generally united worldwide. Of course, religious unity is a good thing. However, many of these groups (Like the Catholics and Jehovah’s Witnesses) are united because of conformity to an organisation rather than Christ and the teachings of the New Testament (Ephesians 2:17-22).
Our religious group is more evangelistic than others, indicating we are saved and part of the one true church. Some so-called Christians excel at evangelism. Unfortunately, some either make evangelism a condition of salvation or consider it a sign they are part of the one true church. Of course, Jesus wants His people to share the good news. However, nowhere in the New Testament is evangelism considered a requirement for salvation. Also, you can be evangelistic but teach error. The Pharisees were often very eager to convert people to Judaism, but because of their heart and a lack of understanding of the Truth were making people twice a son of hell (Matthew 23:15). Also, in the New Testament, there were many going around evangelising but carrying false teaching (Acts 15:1 & 2 John).
Simple and practical teaching is a sign of the Truth. As much as we can, we should try to convey God’s Truth as simply and practically as we can. However, to suggest your church is correct because you have more of a simpler explanation of essential doctrines than others can lead to overconfidence and prevent you from finding deeper Truths. Sometimes Biblical doctrines can be complex and require holding seemingly contrary concepts in tension (2 Peter 3:15-16).
Everything in the Bible is black and white. Indeed, some things in the Bible are clear, but to suggest that it is all plain and easy to work out is arrogant. Mature Christians accept that sometimes they have to sit in the discomfort of the unknown and apply God’s word with humility, in varying degrees and based on the situation at hand (Hebrews 5:12-14).
I should only read and listen to material from people connected with my religious group. If you are a relatively new Christian, exposing yourself to a lot of different content might be overwhelming and confusing. However, be mindful of groups that seek to prevent you from reading outside of their church or organisation. So many people are currently locked into false religion because they: 1. Fail to read the Bible for themselves 2. They are afraid to read material outside of their particular religious group. How do you avoid being caught up in spiritual biases and learn to think critically if you never read or listen to content that is different or opposed to you? Of course, the key to reading or listening to any content safely is always to compare it to what you find in the New Testament (Acts 17:11).
