Christians True and Fake

In the Saturday men’s study I’m going through a study I did over twenty years ago, and have never done here at SSB, which I title:  J. Hosh and A. Phat.  It was good then and it is good the second time.  From lesson #2 are these two applications.  May this portion of that study be helpful.

I call this lesson: BEWARE of “Christians”!

First, what are the marks of a true Christian?  Ephesians 4:4-6: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Some applications:

One body – loves church and other Christians

One Spirit – believes in the Trinity, prays, and listens

One hope – excited and preparing for eternity (turning from sin)

One Lord – talks of Jesus and desires to be like Jesus

One faith – believes in Calvary and the Bible

One baptism – has been baptized and leads a new life

One Father – worships God and is submissive to authority

And within those who are truly saved are fakes.  Consider Luke 13:25-27, You begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, “Lord, Lord, open for us,” and He will answer and say to you, “I do not know you, where you are from,” then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.”  But He will say, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from.  Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.”

Notice that they were church people in that they took Communion and fellowshipped around meals and they sat under teachings about Jesus.  They thought they were saved – bound for Heaven.  But, they were not true Christians.  So what are some marks of fake Christians?

From Romans 2:17-19, Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind…

As these Jews thought they were right with God, so do many today who call themselves Christians.  They gladly and sometimes loudly make these claims –

                        1  17 I’m of father Abraham – a Christian

                        2  17  I believe in the 10 commandments

                        3  17  I believe in God

                        4  18  I know He wants me not to sin

                        5  18  I applaud good things done for others

                        6  18  I attend conferences:  Beth Moore, BSF, church, etc.

                        7  19  I know the way to God and can help others know the way

           Note what is NOT mentioned.

Of those who think they are right, God says (Romans 2:24), For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 

Those who belong to God are those who have had heart surgery – who have been made new by the Spirit.  Romans 2:29, He is a Jew [true Christian] who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

True Christians agree with God about their rebellion and sins, passionately desire to turn away from their old, bow before the crucified Jesus and ask to become His servant, and are committed to following and loving Jesus all their days.