“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
There is an exam in the Christian life that no one else can take for you. It is quiet, inward, and often ignored—yet it determines everything. This is the exam of self-examination.
- The Danger of Assumption
Many measure their standing with God by:
Activity
Gifts
Religious consistency
But these can deceive.
Jesus warned:
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?… and in thy name done many wonderful works?” — Matthew 7:22 (KJV)
Yet He will say:
“I never knew you…” — Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
The name of Jesus carries power—it works. But using His name is not the same as knowing Him. It is possible to operate in results and still lack relationship. - After All… You May Not Be What You Think
Self-deception is subtle. A person may confidently believe they are right with God—and be wrong.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)
That is why Scripture does not say, “Let others examine you,” but:
“Examine yourselves.” - When the Rich Young Ruler Gave Himself a Pass Mark
The story of the Rich Young Ruler is a striking example.
When Jesus listed the commandments, he responded:
“All these things have I kept from my youth up…” — Matthew 19:20 (KJV)
In that moment, he graded himself—and awarded himself a pass mark.
By his own assessment:
He was obedient
He was qualified
He was ready
But Jesus exposed what his self-examination missed:
“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast… and come and follow me.” — Matthew 19:21 (KJV)
The result?
“He went away sorrowful…” — Matthew 19:22 (KJV)
He passed his own test—but failed God’s. - The Recommended Exercise: The Test of Fruits
God has given a clear standard—not outward works, but inward evidence.
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest…” — Galatians 5:19–21 (KJV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” — Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh…” — Galatians 5:24 (KJV)
How to Examine Yourself
Ask honestly:
What dominates my life—the flesh or the Spirit?
Is there evidence of transformation?
Have I truly surrendered what competes with God in my heart?
This is not about outward success—it is about inward reality. - Why This Exam Matters
You can:
Preach and still be lost
Serve and still be unknown to Him
Appear right and still be wrong
The greatest danger is not failure—it is false confidence.
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” — 1 Corinthians 11:31 (KJV)
Penetrating Conclusion
At the end of your life, your opinion of yourself will not matter.
Your works will not speak louder than truth.
Your confidence will not override reality.
There is only one question that will remain:
Did you truly belong to Him?
Do not:
Mark your own script
Approve your own life
Comfort yourself with assumptions
Because it is possible to say “I passed”—
and still hear “I never knew you.”
So pause.
Look again.
Go deeper.
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith…” — 2 Corinthians 13:5 (KJV)
It is better to fail yourself now—and be corrected—
than to pass yourself now and be rejected then.