How can we best minister to a person who claims to be saved, but does not demonstrate even the desire for repentance? For instance, because it's always someone else's fault, or because "I didn't do anything wrong," or because they twist Scripture so they can pretend that sin isn't sin, or because they say "I repented" but don't change their behavior even temporarily, or because when confronted about their sin, no matter how gently or lovingly, they just get mad and defensive?

While I question my own salvation for various reasons, including the scant evidence of my own repentance, it bothers me when people who claim to be Christians demonstrate none at all. I'm terribly frightened for these people, because, in my experience, there is nothing that will more effectively keep people from Christ, than the false belief that they already know Him.

Not trying to be legalistic. I fully believe salvation is by Grace Alone through Faith Alone. Yet, in my life and in others who claim to be Christians, I would love to see signs (or "works meet for") repentance. These of course are not things that can save (it is also by Christ Alone), but they are things I believe unavoidably follow and evidence and demonstrate salvation.

Aspiring student of Christ