Heads Up

American Christianity which has sadly crept into the Christianity of churches is one that is very man-centered and selfish. This is nothing new which is why Jesus warns believers and people against who they listen to in Matthew 7:15. False prophets are not always easy to recognize for they are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing- they have the appearance of being faithful churchgoers and studiers of the Word but they are far from the truth. One of my frustrations with Christian retreats most recently has been the drive for Pastors and speakers to wish to be exciting rather than truthful. The truth isn’t always going to guarantee the best crowd response which is why many retreat speakers make Christianity and Salvation out to be more like six flags than the narrow road that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7.

Creating a me-centered gospel is simply more comfortable. Just think of the last time you’ve heard the Gospel presented. How many times was the word “you” used? God loves you. God wants you. Jesus died for you. God wants to be your friend…etc. You get the picture. We build the person up so much that they think they’re doing God a favor by “being saved”. God is presented as desperate for friends and we approach others like mothers who push their kids to befriend the not-so-popular kid, “Just give God a chance. He really loves you and wants to be your friend.” This is the all-mighty, powerful, holy God we are talking about; The One who holds the universe and our very existence in His hands. The way we present the gospel leaves those aspects out. It also makes salvation more like recruitment; instead of “being saved” people are “being recruited” to befriend a very false God and be involved in a very false Christianity.

Salvation should lead to a realization of our desperate need for God. There is no part of the gospel experience that should leave you feeling good about yourself. The truth is that we have been born completely wicked and in sin. There is absolutely no way for us to gain salvation on our own. Every act is an act of God’s sovereign grace. To put the final decision in man’s hands is to take ultimate authority away from God.

Matthew 7:13-29 describes two roads, two trees, and two house foundations. Jesus tells us that we have two choices there is only ONE right choice though. You can either walk the narrow road or the broad road. You can either be a good tree or a bad tree. You can build your house on the rock or on sand. Jesus tells us that very few walk the narrow road which is completely true as evidenced in today’s “Christian” society. Many people are convinced that as long as you’ve said the prayer at one point in your life than you’re saved and good to go. Yes, profession is a part of the salvation experience but I’m here today to say that merely saying a prayer is not evidence of your salvation. That would be like saying that conversion is like a flu-shot, “I got the shot now I’m good to go. I don’t need to worry about the way I live from here on out.” Genuine conversion is an experience that leads to transformation and as I said before a realization of your desperate need for God. To say the prayer is enough goes along with the me-centered gospel which gives man the authority to claim whether he/she has salvation or not.

Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My father who is in heaven will enter" (Matt. 7:21). Ultimately it is up to God. How do you know then if you are saved? “You will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:20). So often we find rest in simply saying a prayer at one point or calling ourselves Christians when we live lives completely against God and His word. When there is a genuine encounter with the Lord there will be fruit in your life and evidence from that encounter. It doesn’t matter if you know who Jesus is, what matters is if He knows you (1 John 2:4-5).