Question: Most Americans identify as being Christians. But is it true that many of them are unclear about what they believe?

Answer:  It’s true if you believe the results of the “State of American Theology Study 2016.”  Read about this study in the WND.com article, “American Christians cave on core beliefs.”  http://www.wnd.com/2016/10/american-christians-cave-on-core-beliefs/  Too many Christians lack basic knowledge of their own faith.  In fact, from reading the results of this study, you might wonder why some of these people want to call themselves Christians at all.

Christians should know that the Bible clearly tells us that we are to believe what is written in the Scriptures and that the Scriptures are given by God.  In fact, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)  Therefore, by studying the Bible and praying for God to give them understanding of His Holy Word,  Believers will grow in their knowledge of what they are to believe.

Interestingly, the results of this study would indicate that there are many who lack basic scriptural knowledge. For example, 70% of those in this study agreed the God of the Trinity (God the Father; God the Son; and God the Holy Spirit) is the one true God.  They agreed that God does not make a mistake and is the author of Scripture.  But fewer than half say the Bible is entirely accurate.  Maybe this would help explain why 64% believe that “God accepts the worship of all religions” and 60% believe that “Heaven is a place where all people will ultimately be reunited with their loved ones.”  Additionally, only 40% believe “hell is an eternal place of judgment where God sends all people who do not personally trust in Jesus Christ.”  Maybe the others forgot what Jesus said to certain evildoers in Matthew 23:33 when He said, “Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?”

Sadly, these numbers also suggest that many Christians are confused about their beliefs.  In Exodus 20:3, God says, “You should have no other gods before Me.”  Since most religions worship other gods, their worship can’t be accepted by our Almighty God.  Additionally John 3:16 says, “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.”  And, in John 14: 6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Therefore, God’s Word is clear that only those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will go to Heaven.  Since we know that not everyone accepts Jesus as their Savior, we know that not all people will be reunited with their loved ones in Heaven one day — only those who are Believers.  Believers are those who know that the Bible says we are all sinners.  The wages of our sin is death.  By dying on the cross, Jesus took the punishment we deserved for our sins.  Only by asking God to forgive us of our sins, repenting of our sins, and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, will we go to Heaven and not to hell!

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”  In other words, Christians, what you don’t know can hurt you!  So, commit to studying the Bible.  Pray to grow in the knowledge and blessings of God’s Holy Word!

Follow me on Twitter:   http://www.twitter.com/valclarksplace.com