Almost Christian #4

June 17, 2021 (Thursday)

 

In our quest to differentiate between real an “almost Christian” the toughest problem might be what has been called the “sincere fraud.” Ummm…. Right.

 

Let’s define the “sincere fraud.” This person actively pursues doing good and abstaining from evil. The tendency is these people are motivated by fear rather than love. They may be attempting to earn salvation through merit of some sort. Some have a sincere desire to serve God, while others are simply acting a part (“hypocrite”). They know about God but do not know God.

 

My suspicion is as the church has fallen out of favor with our culture, there are less of these than the past generation. You can now get a loan and not belong to a church (literally). The two reasons, I think these people exist is to cover their evil and to feel better. I’ll leave it at that.

 

How do I know these people exist? Jesus said so, “Not everybody who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter.” [Matthew 7:21 CEB] Here’s an important point, obedience is the standard of judgement. Remember Jesus did not speak about “grace,” not once. Throughout the Bible, judgement is based on behavior… specifically obedience or rebellion.

 

Let’s not get carried away by that idea. Just like Jesus, He stuns us with the next statement, “On the Judgment Day, many people will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name and expel demons in your name and do lots of miracles in your name?’ Then I’ll tell them, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you people who do wrong.’” [Matthew 7:22 – 23 CEB] Notice the difference between obedience and works. What is listed as a defense is a list of amazing spiritual service. Prophecy, exorcism, and miracles all seem to be validators. They are not. We circle back to the point, they knew about God, but did not know God. The proof is God did not know them.

 

How is this possible, since God knows everything and everyone? I think the point behind “know” is in personal relationship, not information about. What has happened, the foundation and evaluation of the relationship is about doing stuff, meeting quota, and achievements; not about Jesus.

 

I also suspect there is “buffet Christianity” happening. You know, it’s the kind of Christianity where obedience is on the individual’s terms. For instance, they may like going to church for the great emotional experience and the feel good sermons but reject tithing.

 

John Wesley noted, “Sincerity is the moving principle of the one who is ALMOST Christian.” Or as the saying goes, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Remember good is good, not saved. Good desires and designs are “just” good.

 

If you “know” me, I like the question: four frogs are sitting on a log, two decide (or want) to jump off. How many are on the log? Paul noted to the carnal (worldly, controlled by the sinful nature) Christians in the church at Corinth, “For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” [1 Corinthians 4:20 NLT]

 

The answer to today’s quiz is four, because wanting to and deciding to is not the same as jumping off the log.