2 Corinthians 13:5

5. Examine… prove your own selves As above stated the prove here refers back to the proof of 2 Corinthians 13:3. They should prove or probe, or put to prob -ation, their own genuineness to decide that they were not re- prob -ates. Reprobates are those that cannot bear the probe, proof, or test, but are thereby condemned. The word must be entirely cleared of the Calvinistic doctrine of “reprobation,” according to which God is made eternally to decree that some men shall be wicked, and then damned for the wickedness he has decreed. It simply means men who profess to be Christians, or other good things, but who, when tested, are dis- proved to be such.

Whether… in the faith Look into your own consciousness, and scrutinize whether you are in possession of the faith which justifies, which unites to Christ, and which finally saves.

Your own selves Not so much somebody else as your own selves. And leave not the proving to be done by somebody else, but perform it yourselves, and for yourselves.

Know ye not Very emphatic, as putting a point of infinite importance to be realized.

Christ is in you By his Spirit animating and actuating you; and by the witness of his Spirit testifying to and assuring you. Hereby you have a sure test.

Except ye be reprobates Either an animating, witnessing Christ is in you, or ye are test-condemned, proved by the experiment to be spurious, reprobates.