It seems that the modern Christian has been taught that being a Christian leads to an easy life. All you have to do is say "I believe" and everything will be sunshine and roses. They look to the inspirational messages of Joel Osteen and his ilk and believe that being a Christian will result in prosperity and happiness. Many do not read their Bibles, they rarely pray, and never come to a point of repentance in their lives. Let me say that again: there are many Christians who have not even come to a point of repentance in their lives.
I mention that twice because a true Christian has been saved. Saved from what? Their punishment from their sinful actions. How is a Christian saved? A true Christian puts his/her faith in Jesus, repents of wrong doing, and asks for forgiveness. Forgiveness does not exist where one does not repent. And salvation does not exist where one has not been forgiven.
The lack of repentance in the modern church has led to a body of so-called "believers" that think they are on a path to life in heaven and that it is an easy path to be on.
Let's take a look at the words of Jesus and see how they compare to the modern church:
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13-14).
These words of Jesus tell us that being a Christian is not "easy" and that there is more to it than simply saying "I believe" and them moving on with your prosperous, happy and non-challenging life. Let's just take a quick look at two important words here: narrow and hard
The word that is translated narrow is the Greek word στενὴ (stenos) which literally means narrow from obstacles standing close about.
The word that is translated hard is the Greek word τεθλιμμένη (thlibo) which means constricted, pressed together, or even confined.
With that in mind we should realize that the gate that leads to life is difficult to get to because there are obstacles in the way of it and, more importantly, even the path that leads to it is constricted and pressed together making it difficult to get through.
These words from Jesus should be enough to make all of us realize that being a Christian takes more than simply saying "I believe." Just remember the words of James:
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe -- and shudder! (James 2:19)
Even the demons believe in the one and only God. And they tremble at his name. They are NOT going to heaven. I urge you brothers...do more than believe. Have a saving faith. One that comes with repentance and a desire to do the will of God. If you do not have such a desire I do not believe the Holy Spirit is dwelling in you. If you are continuing to live a sinful life with no remorse, I do not believe you have surrendered to the Lord. And if you are reading this and thinking that I am asking too much, remember these other words of Jesus:
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. 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 then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-23)
Jesus laid down His life for all of us because of our own sins. As He died for us, we should live for Him. Please take the time today to evaluate your relationship with your Lord and Savior. It is not too late to make a life changing decision to follow Him. I urge you to do so if you have not yet.
May the Lord bless you and stir your heart to a saving faith.
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