The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if Scripture didn't declare this, countless children of God could testify to it from their own experience. They have encountered their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in ways that no amount of reading or listening to sermons could ever produce. Open the biographies of great saints and you will find story after story of Jesus speaking to their souls in extraordinary ways, unfolding the wonders of who he is. Their souls were so drenched in happiness they thought they had already entered heaven! They weren't there yet, but they stood at its very threshold—for when Jesus reveals himself to his people, it is heaven on earth. Paradise in the womb. The first taste of eternal bliss.

These special manifestations of Christ leave their mark on the believer's heart. First comes humility. If someone says, "I've had such wonderful spiritual experiences, I must be someone special," they have never truly met Jesus at all. "God draws near to the lowly, but the proud he knows from a distance." He doesn't need to come close to see right through them, and he will never grant them intimate visits of love.

Next comes happiness. In God's presence there are pleasures forevermore.

And then, holiness. Always holiness. A person with no holiness has never had this manifestation, no matter what they claim. Some people talk a good game, but don't believe anyone unless their life backs up their words. "Don't be deceived. God is not mocked." He does not pour out his precious gifts on those who love their wickedness. He will never reject the upright, but neither will he honor those who cling to evil.

So there it is. Three unmistakable marks of closeness to Jesus: humility, happiness, and holiness. May God grant all three to you today, believer!