Christian? Not So Cotton-Pick’n Fast!

“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will catch men.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”

- Luke 5:8-11

In a personal letter from a friend I found the following quote referring to a person of late middle age:

“…[Person] is a Christian but hasn't been active since [their] teens…”

My friend went on to explain that this person is a member and in regular attendance at a local church.

They have no prayer life,
no witnessing and no works,
no Bible study or devotions,
God neither is sought to lead
nor is God a priority in their life.

They’re just church members trying to “be a good person” and live a “good” life”. That has become what many call a “christian” today.

Now we all know that prayer, witnessing, works, Bible study, devotions will never make you a Christian, just as gluing feathers to your body will never make you a bird! But remember, birds are covered in feathers and there are outward evidences that indicate what is in a person's heart!

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

- James 1:22

Do we promote these two heresies:

“a sinner” = “a bad person”
And
a “good person” who goes to church is a “christian”?

Those are both hogwash! I know many people destined for an eternity in Hell who are much better people than me. Frankly, sometimes it doesn't take much!

But now let’s look at something that is really scary!

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

- Matthew 7:21-23

Even hard-core religious works aren't the key to being approved by God. That should strike a profound tone in each and every one of us and compel us to examine ourselves. Are we “spiritual’ or “religious” without a true relationship with Christ? It is noteworthy that Jesus immediately explained that passage by launching into the parable of the builders:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

- Matthew 7:24-27

You tell me, is salvation a prayer or a purpose?