Do We believe?
John 3:16-3:18
Notice what Jesus did in spite of their “‘belief.’” Verse 24 says that, “He did not commit Himself to them.” In other words, Christ didn’t reckon them to be genuine disciples.
This is a passage that we should all look closely at and stand in a place of self-examination as we consider what it is saying. The scriptures are clear that there are people who are professing Christians that are living a lie and are in fact not true disciples of Jesus.
You might be saying to yourself, wow, that’s quite a claim you are making pastor. Well, maybe; but I am not the one making it.
Consider with me a passage in the 7th chapter of Matthew starting at the 21st verse. Jesus paints a picture for us of Judgment Day and those people that have been living a life of self-delusion. He says:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 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!’”
Here Jesus is referring to a people who had professed Him as Lord. The fact that they cried out, ‘Lord, Lord’ indicated that these people understood who Jesus was and also indicated that they thought that they had made a commitment to Him as Lord.
These people had talked the talk. They have made a verbal profession of faith. They had declared their belief of Jesus as Lord of their lives. Jesus tells them that they have deceived themselves. Jesus tells them that lip service is not what He has called for.
These are people that have pointed to their religiosity. They are saying:
- But God, don’t you remember that I was in church every Sunday.
- And remember that time when I served on the church board.
- And don’t forget all those times when I helped out at Vacation Bible School and taught Sunday school.
These are people that point to reasons as to why they think they should be admitted into heaven. But listen to how Jesus responds to them. He says to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me you who practice lawlessness.”
He is saying, “I never had a relationship with you.” AND that is what the foundation of true Christianity is built upon: A relationship with Jesus Christ.
More tomorrow.