Standing before Jesus, will His words be “He/She’s one of Mine” or “I never knew you?” By saying He never knew you, He’s saying “We had no relationship – in other words – Your heart has never been changed.” I am going to attempt to write a few posts on what I believe is the most serious thing that could ever concern you and I… Are you an authentic Christ Follower? Last summer I wrote a little about this, Having False Security in Salvation, but this time I am going to focus on what Jesus says about it. The Bible clearly shows us two marks of a true disciple. Today we are going to look at the first mark according to Jesus’ words…
“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10: 32
Jesus plainly states that anyone who publicly confesses faith in Him and declares allegiance to Him, will be acknowledged by Him to the Father in heaven. That is, by their verbal confession to others, regardless of the cost of that confession. Jesus is talking about a lifestyle… True disciples can’t help talking about Christ. They are not ashamed or embarrassed, because the mouth speaks whatever is in the heart. They will speak up even when vicious wolves attack. The moment we trust Him, He gives us the legal right to His righteousness. Our confession is just the evidence.
There are many who claim to know Jesus, but their lifestyle doesn’t at all reflect it. Do your co-workers know you follow Christ? Do your family and friends know without a doubt that you are a Christian? I’ve heard people say, “Never talk about religion or politics.” Someone once told me that “Religion is personal.” That breaks my heart and I just think to myself… “If you only knew – There isn’t a religious bone in a true disciples’ body!” But despite how I try to proclaim truth, I get shut down! If you refuse to let others know about Christ, I can’t think of anything more tragic than what Jesus says in the latter part of the above verse… “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”
And then there are some who tell you how much they love Christ, but when it comes to obedience… there’s zero! Here’s more Biblical Evidence…
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2: 3-6
Some very strong words from John! Allow me to touch on one more incredibly important area. I said it before, and I’ll say it again…Think for yourself. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived! Don’t base your salvation on what others may say. Don’t assume you are saved because you said a prayer and the pastor said you are now born again! Or maybe your mother told you that you accepted Christ while you were a little boy/girl. Maybe you got baptized when you were 12, but now you’re 40! Is there a marked difference in you? Was there a true conversion?
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