Question: Why is it that so many people call themselves Christians, yet they take opposite stands on many of today’s social issues?

Answer:  Many of these people are Christians in name only.  If you question them about their beliefs, you’ll find that they don’t actually believe God’s Holy Word.  They simply pick and choose the parts of the Bible they like and dismiss the rest.  They believe that Jesus was a good religious leader.  However, they don’t understand that they need to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They may not want to live their lives the way God commands us to live in order to please Him.

Therefore, when it comes to taking a stand on today’s social issues, true Bible believing Christians will desire to follow God’s Word. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love Me,  keep my commandments.” ( NKJV)  Believers will agree that if God calls a behavior sin, it is sin. Period.  No matter how many laws are passed or how many people vote for it, if God says it’s wrong, then it is wrong.  Each one of us will stand before God one day and answer for our sins.  If we haven’t accepted Jesus as the only One who died on the Cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins, we will not go to Heaven.  (Read John 3:16).

If you are calling yourself a Christian, you need to start reading the Bible to find out if you are living as God wants you to live.  Feeding the poor, helping needy children, and doing other good works are wonderful things.  But they do not make you a Christian.  Jesus says 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!”

Romans 1:18-32 details why we all should feel guilty when we disobey God and embrace sin.  It also tells us of the destructive results that come from embracing sin.  So if you see someone who is calling themselves a Christian while also being unrepentant in approving of things that God calls sin, take notice.  You should pray for the discernment of God’s Holy Spirit to know if they are really Believers. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus says, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

So make sure you’re not a Christian in name only.  As the common saying goes: if you were on trial accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict?  Be sure, by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Understand that Jesus took the punishment we all deserve when He was put to death on the cross.  Ask Him to forgive you of your sins.  Praise God that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and lives with our Father God in Heaven!  Commit to living your life to please Him while we’re on this earth.  And, rejoice in knowing that as true Christians, we’ll be able to join Jesus in Heaven one day!

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Re-posted from my Oct. 29, 2015 Blog