The title of this post might be deceiving. Contrary to what you might think, this is written mostly for those who do not consider themselves to be Christians. I want you to understand something: there are many people who call themselves Christians who Christ said He will deny. In other words, these people do not belong to the fellowship of Christ. Why do I say this? Because I want you to know what Scripture says so that you will be better informed when you see stories such as this:
Those who do not know what the Bible actually says may think that anyone who calls themselves a Christian is a follower of Christ. But this is not true. Sadly, many who call themselves Christian and actually mean it don’t even know this. Scripture repeatedly warns that there are signs that will reveal who is and isn’t a true follower of Christ. In fact, Jesus, Himself, had this to say about people who even worked miracles and cast out demons in His name:
New King James Version (NKJV)
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Now, I am not going to be so foolish as to tell you that, when someone who calls themselves a Christian doesn’t act like one, that means they aren’t. Scripture also tells me not to judge what is in that person’s heart. But I will tell you that Scripture clearly tells us that those who are truly seeking to follow Christ and to obey His Gospel message will show it in their words and actions. Yes, they will still mess up, even to the point of hypocrisy, but they will realize they did wrong and will feel sorry and ashamed for it. They will try to apologize and seek forgiveness. And this is because they realize that, by wronging another, they have wronged Christ.
So, just as a public service announcement from a Christian who is trying hard to be humble and to obey Christ’s Gospel, I would ask that you keep in mind that many call themselves by the Lord’s name, yet they do not belong to Him. This sort of ‘infiltration’ is one of Satan’s greatest and most effective weapons as it presents a false image to the world, which the world then accepts as an excuse to reject Christ. Please, do not let the bad apples and false followers jade you. Rather, seek out those who truly seek the Lord’s heart and ask them to explain Christianity to you. If they are one of those you seek, they will know what to say because the Lord will give them the words you need to hear.
[NOTE: to those of you who follow Christ: this story is why we are told to constantly guard our words and actions – so that we do not become a stumbling block for others.]
The Oil for Your Lamp 