In yesterday’s Blog, If Jesus Were on Earth Today, I made a few
comments about the sad state of Christianity in today’s world. Now I
want to briefly touch on what Jesus might think of many of those who
claim to be His followers.
Perhaps He would not be surprised that so few are true believers in
Him; after all, He is God and He did say: (Matthew 7:13-14)
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is
broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.
14 "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to
life, and few are those who find it.
~ New American Standard Bible
Would Jesus be dazzled by the “Christian” entertainment offered to
the thousands in mega churches? Would He be impressed by the claims of
“miracles in His Name” by the well-heeled pastors? Some answers to these
questions are found in Matthew 7:15-16 and in Matthew 7:21-23. Here
Jesus says:
15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered
from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the
kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in
heaven.
22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not
prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your
name perform many miracles?'
23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from
Me, you who practice lawlessness.'
~ New American Standard Bible
And in Luke 6:26 Jesus says:
26. “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way
their fathers used to treat the false prophets.”
~ New American Standard Bible
What about those purveyors of cheap grace who are proud of the number
of “converts” that they make (another notch!), and who sell Christianity
as something easy – your sins are forgiven: past, present, and future?
After initial salvation, no effort, no change for the better, no
discipline required: Jesus took it all upon Himself on the Cross. Wow! A
free ride!
But what about James 2:17, 20, and 26?
17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith
without works is useless?
26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith
without works is dead.
~ New American Standard Bible
And what about this often overlooked scripture: Matthew 5:48? Here
Jesus says:
48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is
perfect.
~ New American Standard Bible
Continued tomorrow –
