Studies indicate that millions of people profess to be Christians. But, when the researcher adds a few questions about precise beliefs or lifestyle choices, the numbers drop dramatically. 

We will never “know” for sure who we can anticipate to see in heaven. Some people appear more obvious and we are more assured that they have not only finished well, but that they lived well too. 

I am not referring to our assurance of faith, but to our lack of right or ability to determine from our point of view to say “who made it.”

Others make us scratch our heads and wonder, does a person who follows Jesus really believe this, or talk like that, or live like this? 

We do have indicators in the Bible to help us know who is on the right path. Of course, our confession of faith in Jesus for reconciliation to God is the entry decision. And, consistent growth in sensitivity to what God the Spirit says to us in God’s word, shows the new life inside of us. 

In 2 Timothy 2:19, Paul adds another identifier of those who are truly people of God in Jesus. “But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

The Lord knows, we can be assured, the wanderer can be challenged, and the lost can be warned. Train yourself in Godliness!