True and False Christians

The word “Christian” is a combination of a Greek title and a Latin ending which means, “One who is a servant of Christ.” This is specifically one who belongs to the household of Jesus, the Christ and Lord, the anointed one of God who was crucified by the ruling governments and was raised by God. More than a billion people in the world today call themselves “Christian”, but according to the teaching of Jesus, there are many who call Jesus “Lord”, but they are not truly servants of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will call me on that day and say, ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophecy in your name and in your name cast out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘Depart from me, you who did not obey my law, into eternal punishment prepared for the devil and his angels, for I never knew you.’ Again, not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. So why do you call me ‘Lord’ but do not do what I say?” (Matthew 7:21-24; Matthew 25:41; Luke 6:46)

Even so, there are many who call themselves by the name of Jesus today, but they do not do what Jesus says—and many of these do so knowing that Jesus taught against their practices! Thus, the difference between a true Christian and a false one is based on their actions.

 Those who claim the name of Jesus but determine to hurt or destroy their enemies are hypocrites. But whoever responds to evil done to them with good is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:27)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to sell the teaching of Jesus or the promises of God or do miracles for their own profit are hypocrites. But whoever freely gives the teaching and salvation of Jesus to all who would listen is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 10:7-8)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and speak evil of the poor and withhold their wealth and resources from the needy are hypocrites. But whoever sells their possessions and gives to the poor liberally is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 12:33)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and demand repayment of a loan upon threat of consequences are hypocrites. But whoever loans money or possessions and does not expect it back is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:34-35)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and respond in rage and in insults to another’s offense are hypocrites. But whoever attempts to make peace with one who wronged them is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:21-24; Luke 17:3)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and look longingly at someone of the opposite sex are hypocrites. But whoever keeps their mind pure is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:8, 28)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and are constantly breaking promises made are hypocrites. But whoever does everything they can to keep their word is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:37)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and hold to the traditions and rituals of their church with equal status as the teaching of Jesus are hypocrites. But whoever focuses on faith, devotion to God, love of one’s neighbor and obedience to Jesus as the focus of his or her life is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 7:8-9; Luke 7:44-50)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus but despise the lost, lowly or disobedient are hypocrites. But whoever calls sinners to repentance and declares good news to the needy is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 15:1-10)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and collect many possessions and treasures are hypocrites. But whoever renounces all of his or her possessions is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 6:19; Luke 14:33)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and despise others who have wronged them, never forgiving them even though there was a misunderstanding or an apology, are hypocrites. But whoever forgives wrongs done to him or her and accepts apologies and explanations is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 17:4, Matthew 6:14-15)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and break their covenant of marriage by divorce or sexual relations with another are hypocrites. But whoever remains with their spouse through his or her whole life or who refrains from marriage altogether is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 19:3-12)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus but deny any of the teaching of Jesus or deny that their disobedience of Jesus is sin are hypocrites. But whoever sins against the teaching of Jesus and confesses his or her sin and repents from it is a true follower of Jesus. (Mark 1:15)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and say that the wealthy, popular and prosperous are the blessed ones of God are hypocrites. But whoever endures suffering, poverty and persecution for the sake of Jesus is a true follower of Jesus. (Luke 6:20-26)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to create justice through violence, lies or other evil acts are hypocrites. But whoever asks the Father daily for justice is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 5:38-42; Luke 18:7)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus and attempt to keep people from doing merciful acts on the Sabbath are hypocrites. But whoever grants grace to the poor and needy on the Sabbath is a true follower of Jesus. (Matthew 12:1-8)

 Those who claim the name of Jesus but are careless with their words and tear down the righteous with their speech are hypocrites. But whoever speaks with care and gives others peace with their words are true followers of Jesus. (Matthew 12:36; Matthew 5:9)

If you have failed in any of these areas (and we all have), do not despair, but turn to the Lord. Ask forgiveness of your sin and ask that the Holy Spirit might come to you and renew your life in accordance with Jesus’ teaching.

True Christians aren’t perfect—but they are repentant and reconciling.

Pray for the church—that we might all acknowledge the Lord in word and in action.