Myth, 45

~ I Am A Christian ~

Introduction  ~  Many people think, or assume, they are Christians for a variety of reasons—reasons which do NOT align with what the Bible teaches.  Sometimes their belief is as simple as being born in at “Christian nation,” or the fact they attend church regularly, or they belong to a certain society or club. 

Key Questions  ~  What is your definition of a Christian?  Are you a Christian?  If so, what is your basis for making that claim? 

Reality  ~  Living in a “Christian nation” or being a regular church-goer does not make you a Christian any more than going into your garage makes you an automobile!

Truth From The Master  ~  Jesus Christ said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’  And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23). 

There are three critical factors to take note of in this passage.  First, not everyone who says they are a Christian is!  Second, good works for the cause of Christianity does not get you into heaven.  Third, they are rejected because they never had a personal relationship with the living Jesus Christ!  Do you? 

How To Make Sure  ~  Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the Cross], that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God” (John 3:14-21).

Again, there are three critical factors to take note of in this passage.  First, you must believe (put your trust/confidence in Him).  Second, the result of genuine trust in Jesus is never ending life with Him in heaven.  Third, failure to intentionally act condemns you to eternity in hell because you are condemned already. 

How?  ~  If you do not have assurance of salvation but want it realize that it is as simple as A-B-C. 

Admit you are a sinner.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Believe/trust in Jesus Christ.  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). 

Confess Jesus Christ as your Savior.  “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-11).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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