By Shane Kastler
“We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” - John 6:69
In our world today there is much confusion as to what a “Christian” is. Some equate Christianity with membership in a particular church. While it is certainly true that Christians should belong to a local church body and should be active participants in regular corporate worship; mere membership does not necessarily equate to true Christianity. Membership rolls are frequently overstocked with “members” who show no real evidence of being a Christian. Their mouths might profess faith, but their life professes something much different.
The profession of faith itself is another incorrect way to define “Christian.” Some will say that if you have professed faith in Christ at any point in your life then you are a Christian. But “professing” faith and actually “possessing” faith are two different matters. The one who truly “possesses” faith will indeed “profess” it. But the opposite isn't necessarily true. Many people “profess” a faith that they don't actually “possess.” Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 7:22-23 where He proclaims that many will profess “Lordship” to Him even though He doesn't actually know them in a saving way. And they don't know Him.
Strangely enough, in our world today, some even equate Christianity with one's country. For example, some say that since America is a “Christian” nation, then Americans who claim no other religion must be “Christian” by default. This is a very odd and unbiblical means of defining a Christian.
True Christianity is nothing like what I've described above. And at the risk of over simplifying things, let me boil Christianity down to two words: “Believers Believe.” What is a true Christian? A true Christian is someone who “believes” in Jesus Christ. They believe He is who He claimed to be. The perfect, sinless, eternal Son of God. The “Word” who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) The Savior of His sheep who was slain to pay for the sins of His people. The Lord of Glory who arose from the grave and ascended on high. The reigning King who sits enthroned and will one day come again.
Do you believe these things? And what's more, is your life governed and dominated by the Lordship and the truth of who Jesus is? For true believers do more than simply believe facts in an intellectual way. True believers have a heart on fire for God. By God's grace they have experienced a new, spiritual birth (John 3:3) and they are not in love with the world. Rather their greatest love is Jesus.
Believers believe. Are you a believer? Do you believe? Repent and trust in Christ today. Don't define Christianity by unbiblical means. Define Christianity the way the Bible defines it. Then examine yourself to see if you really ARE what you CLAIM to be.
--------------------
(NOTE: This article is scheduled to appear in the April 27 edition of the Linn County News).
Comments