Expert: Dean Gade - 11/2/2008

Question
Is there anything in the Bible that warns us not to question whether or not we think someone is really born again or a christian?

Answer
We are told not to judge any other believer about their actions unless they are expressly prohibited in Scripture:

Rom 14:2-4
3 The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
NIV

Yet, it is only by the actions of people that we have a clue of whether to receive them as brothers and sisters in Christ or not. But their actions would have to be acts of continued  rebellion against God's clearly defined directions before we tell them to repent.

Only God can see into a person's heart. If we begin to question the spiritual status of another's heart without clear sinful outward actions,  we are walking on the dangerous ground of usurping God's unique right to judge the hearts of all.

1 Cor 4:5
5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts . At that time each will receive his praise from God.
NIV

Heb 4:12-13

12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart . 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
NIV

My advice is, whether you are being judged, or judging someone,   just put the whole thing out of your mind....for the sake of peace.