It is important that both believers and nonbelievers alike understand that some things do not necessarily make someone a Christian. For the believers, it can help them see if what they think makes them a Christian is actually true. And for those outside the church, it helps them to identify true followers of Christ and not allow the behavior of those who only claim to be Christians to affect their views.
Just because someone claims to be a Christian does not mean that they actually are. We know that many will call themselves Christians even though they really aren’t and that some will even believe they are actually serving God even though in reality they are not. Because scripture tells this is the case.
For instance, we see in 1st Corinthians that true followers of God should not associate with people who claim to follow Christ but still live sinful lives. Referring to those who refer to themselves as Christians but do not live according to God’s word. Jesus also said that many would come in the last days claiming to have served Him but would be turned away because of their sinful behavior.
1 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Matthew 7:21–23 (ESV)
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Simply claiming to be something does not actually make someone what they claim to be. That is the view taken with almost everything in this world it seems except when it comes to Christianity. Everyone, believers and unbelievers alike, must realize that just because someone calls themselves a Christian does not mean they truly are.
The true identity of someone is proven by the fruit their life produces. This is nothing new but what Jesus taught. A real Christian will not simply claim to be one but they will produce good fruit through their actions. Fruit that aligns with what the scripture says Gods people are to produce and will be an outward sign of who they are.
Matthew 7:16–20 (ESV)
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
By simply observing the way one lives you can truly tell if they are the Christian they claim to be. This is because someone that is truly a servant of Christ knows that to love Him means following His commands. Commands to love and not hate. To be peaceful, kind, generous, humble, and merciful just to name a few.
John 14:15 (ESV)
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 15:12 (ESV)
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Colossians 3:15 (ESV)
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV)
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Philippians 2:3 (ESV)
3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves
As you can see scripture shows that these traits are to be present in the life of every Christian. Of course, someone may slip up from time to time and not be the perfect representation of the Word. But in the end, someone is able to gain the title of Christian because they lived a continual lifestyle of faith producing good works. Where in the end the good they produced far outweighed the evil.
If you have faith in God that is a great place to start but you must remember that alone will not save you. Scripture is clear that Satan and his demons also believe and tremble but that will not save them. In order to be saved and gain eternal life, you must live your life according to the Bible and produce the good fruit that proves your faith.
James 2:19 (ESV)
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!
I must address anyone who reads this and does not believe in God and is not even looking to be called a Christian. Please do base your views of the God of the Bible and His true followers on those who claim to be Christians yet live wicked and cruel lives.
Please take the time to see that they are not truly what they claim to be and are themselves lost. Not truly knowing the Lord they claim to serve or His loving and caring ways. Base your option on those who are producing the good fruit that the Bible has instructed them too and know what a real Christian looks like.
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