The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character, part 1

Things that are NOT of themselves, distinguishing marks of Christian character.

One of the greatest spiritual dangers is mistaking the appearance of Christianity, for the reality of Christianity. This concern lies at the heart of the introductory section of Gardiner Spring’s The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character. Before identifying the positive marks of genuine faith, Spring wisely begins by removing false foundations upon which many people rest their hope. His argument is both searching and pastoral: many things commonly associated with religion may exist apart from saving grace.

The importance of this inquiry cannot be overstated. Scripture repeatedly calls people to examine themselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). The question is not whether a person is religious, knowledgeable, moral, gifted, emotional, or confident. The question is whether they have truly been transformed by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Spring therefore addresses several unreliable evidences that, while often accompanying genuine conversion, are not of themselves distinguishing marks of Christian character.

Visible Morality

The first false ground of confidence is visible morality.

A person may be outwardly respectable, honest, disciplined, generous, and law-abiding--without possessing a renewed heart. Society rightly values moral behavior, and Christians should pursue lives marked by integrity and virtue. Yet morality alone cannot reconcile sinners to God.

The fundamental problem is that morality deals primarily with outward conduct, while God examines the heart. A person may avoid scandalous sins while remaining spiritually alienated from God. Pride, unbelief, self-righteousness, and indifference toward God--may coexist with exemplary external behavior.

Throughout Scripture, some of the strongest rebukes are directed not toward openly immoral people but toward religious individuals whose outward conduct concealed inward corruption. Moral excellence, detached from love to God and faith in Jesus, cannot save. It may earn human admiration, but it cannot secure divine acceptance.

Spring reminds readers that Christianity is not merely the refinement of human nature; it is the transformation of human nature through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.

Speculative Knowledge

A second unreliable evidence is speculative knowledge.

Many possess extensive theological information. They can discuss doctrines, analyze biblical texts, debate theological systems, and articulate complex religious concepts. Yet intellectual understanding alone is not saving faith.

Knowledge is a precious gift and an essential component of Christian growth. God calls believers to love Him with their minds. Nevertheless, there is a profound difference between knowing about God and knowing God.

The human intellect can grasp truths that the heart refuses to embrace. One may understand the doctrine of grace, while never personally depending upon God's grace. One may explain the atonement, while never trusting in the Savior who accomplished it.

Spring's warning is especially relevant in every generation because theological literacy can create a false sense of security. The possession of religious information does not necessarily indicate spiritual transformation. True Christianity involves more than enlightened understanding; it involves a renewed affection for God and a sincere submission to His authority.

Form of Religion

Spring next examines the form of religion.

Religious activity is often mistaken for genuine godliness. Attendance at worship services, participation in ordinances, involvement in ministry, and adherence to religious customs--can all exist without true conversion.

External religion is easier than inward surrender. Human beings naturally gravitate toward visible practices because they can be measured and observed. Yet Christianity is not merely a collection of ceremonies or habits.

The danger arises when religious forms become substitutes for spiritual reality. A person may faithfully participate in every outward aspect of religion while lacking genuine repentance, faith, and love for God. Religious routines may shape behavior without changing the heart.

This does not mean that religious forms are unimportant. God has appointed means of grace for the benefit of His people. The problem occurs when confidence is placed in the form rather than in Jesus Himself. The shell of religion cannot produce spiritual life.

Eminent Gifts

Another deceptive evidence is the possession of eminent gifts.

Some individuals possess extraordinary abilities. They may be persuasive speakers, effective leaders, talented teachers, or influential servants within the church. Their gifts may benefit many people and produce visible results.

Yet gifts and grace are not identical.

God may bestow remarkable abilities upon individuals without those abilities serving as proof of saving faith. Spiritual usefulness in ministry does not automatically confirm spiritual life within the minister. History repeatedly demonstrates that giftedness and godliness are not the same thing.

Spring's distinction is crucial. Churches often admire visible talents while neglecting the deeper question of character. God is concerned not merely with what people can do but with what they are before Him.

The true evidence of conversion is not the magnitude of one's gifts but the presence of genuine Christian character.

Conviction for Sin

Spring also addresses conviction for sin.

Many people experience profound emotional distress regarding their sins. They may feel fear, guilt, shame, or anxiety concerning God's judgment. Such convictions can be intense and sincere.

Yet conviction of itself is not conversion.

A person may recognize the danger of sin without turning to Jesus. One may fear punishment while still loving sin. One may experience deep emotional turmoil without experiencing genuine repentance.

Conviction is often a necessary step in the process through which God draws sinners to Himself. However, conviction reaches its intended goal only when it leads to repentance and faith in Jesus.

The distinction is important because many rest their assurance on past religious experiences rather than present trust in Jesus. Spiritual sorrow, by itself, cannot save. Only the grace of God received through faith, can reconcile sinners to Him.

Strong Assurance

Equally searching is Spring's discussion of strong assurance.

Many assume that confidence proves authenticity. If a person is absolutely certain of their salvation, others may conclude that such certainty must be evidence of genuine faith.

Spring rejects this reasoning.

Confidence can be either true or false. A person may possess great assurance while resting upon a mistaken foundation. Sincerity alone does not guarantee accuracy. Human beings are capable of deceiving themselves, especially in matters of eternal importance.

True assurance arises from faith in Jesus, the promises of God, and the evidences of grace produced by the Holy Spirit. False assurance arises from presumption, self-confidence, or reliance upon past experiences.

The strength of one's confidence is therefore less important than the object of that confidence. The critical question is not, "How certain am I?" but rather, "Upon what am I resting my hope?"

The Time of Your Supposed Conversion

Finally, Spring warns against placing undue confidence in the time of one's supposed conversion.

Many believers can identify a specific moment when they came to faith in Jesus. Such testimonies can be valuable and encouraging. Yet the ability to describe a conversion experience, is not itself proof of salvation.

Some genuine Christians cannot identify an exact moment of conversion, particularly those who were brought to faith gradually. Others may vividly remember a dramatic religious experience that did not result in lasting spiritual transformation.

The decisive issue is not when conversion supposedly occurred, but whether the fruits of conversion are presently evident.

Christianity is ultimately demonstrated not by a remembered event alone but by an ongoing life of faith, repentance, obedience, and love for God. The authenticity of conversion is revealed through its continuing effects.

Conclusion

The genius of Spring's introduction lies in its relentless focus upon spiritual reality. Visible morality, theological knowledge, religious activity, impressive gifts, conviction for sin, strong assurance, and memorable experiences may all accompany genuine Christianity. Yet none of them, individually or collectively, constitute the distinguishing marks of Christian character.

By removing these false foundations, Spring prepares the reader for a more important inquiry: What are the positive evidences of saving grace?

His answer throughout the remainder of the work is that true Christianity is revealed not merely through outward religion or inward emotion, but through a transformed heart that loves God, trusts Jesus, pursues holiness, and increasingly reflects the character of the Savior. Such marks endure long after religious excitement fades, for they are the work of God Himself within the soul.
(The above article was AI generated.)

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You may freely read the full 80 page book here: The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character