Truth My Kids Will Know - Nope, That Doesn't Make You A Christian

 Lie #3 - "I'm A Christian Because..."

There are a lot of deceived folks in this country right now: good people, decent people, honest people - but deceived all the same. Religious and demonic forces in this culture have convinced them that they're "OK"...that they're "good Christian people." Although they don't meet the one condition to be a Christian, they ignorantly think that they're still going to Heaven when they die.

There are a lot of different criteria that our culture uses to define what a "Christian" is - but none of those criteria are correct. How sad it is to see multitudes of dedicated, religious people blindly marching to their own destruction while thinking they're just fine!

It's one of the most dangerous and difficult-to-break lies that our enemy uses. The danger in this lie is obvious: Those who are caught in it see nothing that needs to change.

Those who have bought into this lie will be the people that Jesus describes in Matthew 7:22-23.

"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!'"

How devastating! They were genuinely convinced that they were right; but were still completely wrong!

The truth is so simple - I don't know how people can miss it! Jesus makes a clear dividing line between those who are His, and those who aren't. "You must be born again."

Here's the truth:

You are not a Christian because you're American.

Like I mentioned in our first point, America was founded by Christians, to be a Christian nation. However, even back then, there were many people here that weren't believers.

If I moved to Saudia Arabia, I wouldn't become a Muslim.

If I lived in Israel, that wouldn't make me Jewish.

Living in India isn't the same as being a Hindu.

Knowing this, let me ask you: Is being raised in America, singing "God bless the USA", reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and voting for a certain party enough to make you into a Christian?

Of course not! Living in a Christian culture does not make you a one.

The Kingdom of God is NOT America.

(Side note: This is important for the American church to understand. We are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. We just so happen to live here in this country. Don't get what's good for the United States confused with what's important to the Kingdom - the two are not always the same.)

You are not a Christian because you're a "good person".

I once heard a wise man say this: "The devil's favorite color isn't black - his favorite color is off-white."

He doesn't care whether or not he can turn you into a depraved and wicked human being. His goal isn't to turn you into a murderer, a rapist, a liar, or a thief. Satan's goal is simply to keep you out of Heaven. I'm convinced that his most effective way of doing that is to teach you how to "be good" without God.

I said this in my introduction - but I'll say it again here: No one can be GOOD without GOD. 

Being a moral person does not get you into Heaven. On the contrary, one major part of genuine salvation is recognizing your own immorality and turning away from it!

You are not a Christian because you believe in God.

You can't be saved without faith. But believing that the God of the Bible exists is not enough for salvation. It's a good start...but not enough.

Look at what James 2:19 says in the New Living Translation - "You say you have faith - for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." Clearly this belief doesn't save you!

"I'm a Christian...I believe in God." is one of the most ignorant statements a person can make - yet it's being said all the time!

You believe in which God?

So you've read the Bible once and believe that God is real..but do you believe what He says is true?

Because what He said and what You're saying seem to disagree...

No, believing that God exists is just the start...and stopping there will give you the same fate as the devil and his demons!

You are not a Christian because you attend a church.

We're not supposed to be ignorant of the devil's tricks - so let me say this: This particular lie is a bold move on Satan's part. Can you see the risk involved here; bringing a sinner into church to keep them out of Heaven? What a gutsy play...carrying the possibility that someone could hear the truth and be set free. But unfortunately this tactic succeeds way too often!

How many churches are so excited just to have someone new in their seats that they don't even consider whether they're genuinely saved? How many people have connected to churches, made friends with the people, sat through sermon after sermon - only to have built up a "religious" life on the wrong foundation?

Pastors, you don't want this to be your church! May our churches be places where truth is elevated and lies are exposed! May we never assume that the people in our chairs are going to Heaven - without knowing who they are and where they came from. 

When you hear the story of the prodigal son - as told in Luke 15 - which son was in a worse condition?

Was it the one who left, lived a rebellious life, and then repented and was restored to his father?

Or was it the one who stayed, worked hard, lived a good life...all the while cut off from a genuine relationship with his dad?

I suggest to you; the prodigal son was in a better condition while he was out partying with hookers than his brother was working in his dad's fields. Why? Because at least the prodigal knew where he stood.

When he hit the bottom, that young man knew he needed to repent. Only the older brother thought everything was OK between him and his father.

This is the lie the Devil loves to tell good religious people: "It's OK, you are a Christian. Just look at the good life you live!"

In the face of this lie - my kids will know the truth: Faith in Jesus Christ - and HIS Lordship - is the ONLY way to Heaven!

Jesus' words in John 3:3 were clear - "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."