March 08 2026

Sunday March 08

The Mark of a True Believer

Ephesians 6:24

What would you call the one characteristic that identifies a genuine Christian, a true follower of Jesus Christ? Today we’re looking at the final word that the Apostle Paul has for us in the book of Ephesians—Ephesians 6:24. Here he writes: “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” Amen.  What is the mark of a true Christian? That’s what we’re looking at as we consider this last verse.

Now remember, as we were studying the book of Ephesians, we talked about how first we need to know that we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places. We are in Christ. We are blessed with all the spiritual blessings of heaven right now in Christ. Then we learned that we need to walk in purity—walk in love—walk in a way that identifies us as true followers of Christ. Third, we need to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. In three words: Sit, Walk, Stand.

Now Paul concludes this book with this final word by saying to us today that “grace be to those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen”. It’s fitting that the Apostle Paul ends this letter with the word grace, because grace is the foundation of the entire Christian life. In fact, if you remember, Paul began this letter the same way in Ephesians 1:2: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” As a matter of fact, if you read all of Paul’s epistles, every one of them begins with this word grace, and every one ends with this word grace.

Experiencing God’s grace is very important. Grace is often defined as God’s unmerited favor toward us. It’s grace that saved us when we trusted in Christ. It’s grace that sustains us throughout life. And it’s grace that one day will bring us safely into the presence of God in heaven. I’ve often said that, “Grace is God giving me everything I need to live the Christian life, which includes the desire, the will, the power, and the ability to always do those things that please Him!

But Paul adds a very important description here. He says, “This grace belongs to those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” The word translated sincerity carries the idea of something that is incorruptible—unfading. It describes a love that is genuine, pure, and lasting. In other words, Paul is not talking about a temporary emotional feeling. True love for Christ is far deeper than that. It is a sincere devotion that remains steady throughout every season of life. Our love for Christ should not be sentimental or shallow. Our love should be rooted in truth, grounded in faith, and demonstrated in obedience.

Remember when the Lord was restoring Peter in John 21. He asked him three times, “Do you love me?” And Peter replied, “You know that I love you.” The Lord responded to him each time with three simple instructions: First Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Secondly, “Tend my sheep.” The third time He said, “Feed my sheep.” He is not asking us to stand in a garden with a sword and fight the enemies of Jesus. No, He is asking us to feed His lambs—to care for His children—to make sure they are growing. He calls us to join Him in sharing His love and caring for the believers around us. Something very simple!!! When we sincerely love the Lord, Jesus said it this way in John 14:21 says, “He that loves me will keep my commandments.” That’s the proof. We obey Him. We join Him in what He is doing. The epistle of First John emphasizes this.

As Paul closes the book, he intentionally uses the full title: our Lord Jesus Christ. Each part of that name reminds us who He is. He is Lord—the one who has the final authority over our lives. He is Jesus—the Savior who rescued us from our sins. He is Christ—the promised Messiah of God. Oh, my friend, when we truly understand who Jesus is, our love for Him should grow stronger and deeper every day. So, Paul ends this powerful letter by leaving us with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Yes, this grace is for those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity.

The Christian life really is all about a relationship with Jesus Christ—every day taking time to spend time with Him in His Word, in prayer, in communion. Being on mission with Him—feeding and loving His sheep, taking care of others, and sharing the good news with those who do not know Him. My friend, those who love Him with a sincere, enduring heart will experience the grace of God throughout the entire journey of faith. And that grace will lead us all the way home. Living in this grace every day is the true mark of a genuine believer!

I trust as we’ve studied the book of Ephesians it has been a blessing to you.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful, grace filled day.