LIVING ON PURPOSE-Are we a genuine Christian or just religious?

When we talk about eternal life, it brings up one of two emotions and attitudes. Those who believe in the Bible and have Christ as their Lord become excited and grateful that God has saved them and promised to be with them forever in a glorious paradise. On the other side we find the ones who criticize and declare that God is only a dream and the Bible is a fairy tale. These are the rebellious individuals who deny His existence and mock those who stand for Him. I'm often asked to speak andpray at secular gatherings where many are not Christians and I love these opportunities to acknowledge Jesus as the Lord and King of heaven and earth. Afterwards, the atmosphere becomes quiet and awkward as if I said something wrong. Actually, it's the Holy Spirit causing this dividing line between the light and the darkness. The righteous rejoice while the lost remain firm in their denial.

When we lay all the spiritual cards on the table, we discover are only two types of spirits and two types of people. We have the born-again spirits who love and serve God and the default spirits who choose to remain the same. Since there is no middle or neutral, every person is either on one side or the other.Much like oil and water these do not exist in harmony together. Some are good actors and can fool those around them, but God knows the hearts and minds of every soul. Like birds of a feather, whichever side they are on, they feel comfortable and agree with those who live and believe like they do. Christians sense a spiritual connection with other Christians as family, while those who reject thisradical spiritual identity change, feel at ease in their shame with others who walk in carnality.

I heard a story the other day that reminded me of this. There was a young lady who had lived her adult life as a prostitute and drug addict. She had been beaten, abused, was an alcoholic, and had fallen to the bottom. She was running from a man who thought he owned her. One night she found a church whose doors were open and she hid inside, and fortunately a compassionate nun found her and protected her. While regaining her health she created a new identity, enrolled in a program as a postulant, working, helping, and teaching young girls. Things were looking bright for her but, she was only painting and redecorating the outside of her image, while retaining the same old desires and attitudes on the inside. At night she would sneak out and go to bars and mingle with men just like she had done before. Six months later she was found dead in a motel room. She tried to play both sides and failed.

This is not to say that every person who called on the Lord and fell away from Him was never truly saved. It's possible to backslide and become spiritually lukewarm, and if we are truly born-again, the Lord will pursue us, even discipline us, as the Shepherd of the sheep in order to restore us back into Hisfold. However, if a person living in their sinful condition is not convicted by the Holy Spirit and does not feel regret and sorrow for hurting God, it's probable they were never truly saved and only living a pretend facade. One thing we do know is the soul that chooses to continue in the default condition needs God's deliverance, mercy, and love! Jesus Christ came to die on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the dead, so that all who believe in Him can be saved.

One of the most important subjects in heaven and earth involves knowing if we are a child of God. It's one thing for a lost person to admit they are not born again, but what about those who assume they are saved but are not? One test is evaluating our highest priorities. If we are still thinking, talking, and acting like we always did, how has God transformed us? Do you remember the moment you gave your life to Christ and made a holy vow to love and serve Him with your entire being? Since this experience of His grace redeeming us is the hope of our salvation, it's critical to know you are now living as a reflection of His nature and character. Are you truly saved or just acting religious?

Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at Billyhollandministries.com