THE MOST DANGEROUS THING A CHRISTIAN CAN DO…
Recently, I have been having a “crisis of religion.” I have been examining my life, my beliefs, and my behaviours. I have discovered the single most dangerous thing a Christian can do. It is absolutely devastating to one’s religion. This single act has the ability to completely demolish one’s view of religion and change how you approach religion for the rest of your life.
Think about it for a moment. Ask yourself the following questions.
1) a. What is salvation?
b. How is one saved?
c. What does it mean to be saved?
d. What is my roll in my own salvation?
2) a. What version of the Bible do I hold to?
b. Why?
3) a. When I go to church does everyone look like me?
b. Are there any from the outside?
c. Would we tolerate someone with tattoos? Long hair? Dirty clothes? Where would/do we draw the line when it comes to who we will let in?
i. If we claim we would allow everyone then where are they? “Oh, they just don’t want to come here.” Why not?
ii. “They can’t handle the truth. It is obvious they are sinners and don’t want to hear the truth.” What truth is that? Your doctrine or Biblical doctrine?
There you have it. You have just engaged in the single most dangerous thing a Christian can do… and that is to “Think.” Think about what you believe and why you believe it. I challenge you to examine your beliefs. Why do you believe what you believe? Are you going along with the herd or can you defend your beliefs and behaviours with sound contextual Biblical teaching. Do you have to take text out of context to “proof” your beliefs? Do you take scripture and interpret it in the light and context of 2008 in order to get your doctrine? Think about it? Do you believe it because you have studied it out or because the denomination believes it and it has always been done this way?
If your beliefs cannot withstand such examination then what good are they in the first place? If they only bring you comfort and do nothing for your soul or your relationship with Christ and your relationship with others then what good are they? If your beliefs are based on error and you do nothing to discover the error and correct it… guess what… you will be held responsible for that error on the Day of Judgment. This is especially, most extremely, important when it comes to salvation. That is why Scripture warns us to examine ourselves to show we are in the faith, and to make our calling and election sure. It is of vital importance to be certain we are holding to Biblical doctrine and exalting Jesus Christ and not the doctrines of men and our imaginations.
There you have it. The most dangerous thing a Christian can do is to “Think” and be able to give a reason for the hope that is within him.
August 5, 2008 at 7:56 pm
So I asked myself and here were my answers…
Salvation – I was redeemed from the world, the devil and myself. From the cross Christ paid the price of eternal life for me, because I couldn’t pay it for myself. He has forgiven me more than I could ever sin – which in and of itself is infinite.
How is one saved? I am saved by Jesus who has given His gift of salvation freely, without requirement or strings.
What does it mean to be saved? It means that through the work of Jesus, peace has been restored with God and He now sees me for the righteousness of His Son which is credited to my account.
What’s my role in salvation? I provide a mess that needs to be cleaned up. Aside from that, I am empty handed before God.
What version of the Bible do I hold to? Nestle Aland and BHS – hard to go wrong with the original languages. I also like most of the English Translations – not paraphrases.
When I go to church most of the people do look like me, but I’m bigger than most.
Are there many from outside? South America and American
Would we tolerate someone with tattoos? Long hair? Dirty clothes? Where would/do we draw the line when it comes to who we will let in? – Yup I would draw the line at disruptive behavior and outbursts.
Why aren’t they in our church? Because we proclaim Jesus crucified for the remission of sins and most people today aren’t honest enough and are too narcissistic to admit that they are sinners in need of a Savior. The Gospel is an offense.
The truth is this… All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Or so says Paul in Romans 6
August 5, 2008 at 8:31 pm
An unexamined life is not worth living. – Socrates.
August 5, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Amen! If you cannot give an answer for the hope that lies within you, and your fellowship is not a healthy cross section of the saved sinners of the world, of all ages, white hair,to toddler- and walks of life, tattoos and piercings,to suit and tie- you may want to ask yourself if you need to look at outreach ministry more closely. : )