Are you REALLY a Christian?

Are you REALLY a Christian?

I remember going out on visitation one time and talking to a lady who was a member of a Baptist church in her neighborhood. As we went from talking about church to talking about salvation, I asked her if she knew for sure that when she died she was going to heaven.
“I TOLD you I was a member of a Baptist church!”.
I replied, "yes ma’am, but do you know for sure that you are saved?"
She then got angry. “I’ve been going to church all my life. Of course I’m saved! In fact, she became so irate that we realized we were getting nowhere and thanked her for her time and left (not before leaving a Gospel tract with her – which I’m guessing she threw into the trash can)

The very very sad truth is that there are many, probably thousands or even millions of people who call themselves Christians who will still be here after the rapture.Talk about a rude awakening!

If you ask someone the description of a Christian, you get a lot of answers that don’t really get to the root of what a Christian really is.

A Christian is a follower of Christ.
A Christian is a believer in the Bible.
A Christian is one who lives their life serving the Lord.
A Christian is one who belongs to a local New Testament church.
A Christian is one who feed the poor and helps the needy.
A Christian is one who turns the other cheek.
A Christian is one who shows the love of Christ to others.

All of these things are descriptions of what a Christian does, but not of what a Christian is.

A person can believe in God and not be saved

“Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19)

A person can pray to Jesus and not be saved

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”(Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can prophesy in Jesus' name and not be saved (Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can do wonderful works in Jesus' name and not be saved (Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can have a zeal for God and not be saved.

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”(Rom. 10:2-3)

A person can talk to others about God and not be saved.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”(Matt. 23:15).

A person can be curious about or intrigued with Jesus Christ and not be saved.

“And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?...Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matt.19:16-22).

A person can profess to know God and not be saved

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”(Titus 1:16)

A person can follow and serve Christ and not be saved.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” (John 6:70-71).

Jesus Himself said:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

True Definition of a Christian:

A Christian is a person who has been born again through faith alone in Jesus Christ for their salvation.

There is only one way to be saved. That way is ONLY by total trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” Acts 16:31

If you are reading this and there is ANY doubt in your mind whatsoever whether you are truly saved and truly a Christian, you need to know for sure. Don't wait. Make sure.

Tomorrow may be too late.