Are you able to identify someone who calls himself a Christian but, actually, is not? 

by Rev. Jack Richards on December 16, 2022

SEARCHLIGHT 

Are you able to identify someone who calls himself a Christian but, actually, is not? 

SCRIPTURE 

I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.  2 John 7-11 NIV 

SPOTLIGHT 

If you were moving to a new part of the country and wanted to find a church home, how would you choose the right one? When you listen to a religious podcast or read a religious article, how do you determine if it will be beneficial and uplifting? The Apostle John warned that believers are to avoid deceivers. In the above Scripture verses, John identified that there are false preachers, teachers, and ministers who should be avoided. Let’s talk about it.  

A false preacher, teacher, or minister is someone who appears to be a believer but actually is a deceiver because of the following reasons: 1. He denies Jesus Christ came in the flesh. That means he denies the virgin birth, and 2. He denies Jesus Christ to be both divine and human. That means he denies Jesus to be God/man. He believes Jesus was not truly man but only appeared to be. 

What this means to you is of great importance! A deceiver will appear to be a Christian but not recognize that Jesus Christ is able to fully identify with you as a human being. Jesus will not be sinless and therefore not be able to be the sacrifice for your sin.  

Always avoid someone who goes beyond what God’s Word says. He may portray himself as progressive in order to relate Christianity to modern times. This is not necessary. This is the wrong kind of progress. A Christian is to never go beyond Scripture to gain truth and wisdom. Is a Christian meant to spiritually grow and progress in his walk with Jesus? Yes! Of course! However, he is not to go away from Biblical guidelines. Jesus Christ said a branch has life only as long as the life of the vine flows into it. [John15:1-8] You are a believer in Jesus Christ. He forgave your sin and has given you eternal life. [John 3:16] He is giving you abundant life. [John 10:10] You have all these blessings only as long as you remain or abide with Him.  

Chuck Swindoll referred to the false preachers, teachers, and ministers as “enemies of the truth.” John is so concerned about believers avoiding them that he says that you should not be inviting them to your home. A believer cannot experience fellowship with a deceiver. How important it is to not affirm a deceiver’s so-called ministry.  

Daniel Webster knew that a believer does not have all the answers to all the questions that may be posed. There is always an element of faith that is needed in order to be a believer. A deceiver will often raise a question with the intent to introduce some new concept which can create doubt. Webster was a strong believer who knew this so well. While dining with some very well-educated men in Boston, the conversation turned to the subject of Christianity. He clearly stated his belief in the divine nature of Jesus Christ and his dependence upon Jesus sacrificing His life for man’s sin. One man said, “Mr. Webster, can you comprehend how Christ could be both God and man?” Without hesitation and unashamedly, Webster responded, “No, sir, I cannot comprehend it. If I could comprehend Him, He would be no greater than myself. I feel that I need a super-Savior.” Daniel Webster was not about to be drawn into a debate. 

What makes Jesus Christ the Way, the Truth, and the Life is the fact of His virgin birth, humanity, and divinity. A deceiver may deny any one of those 3 facts just stated but a believer will declare all 3. This is why Jesus is the only way to God!

SOMETHING TO DO 

Are you listening to, reading anything by, or spending time with a “deceiver?” That word may seem harsh, but John was so concerned about this happening he challenges you to carefully consider these questions so that you will continue to walk with Jesus.   

SOUL TIME PRAYER 

Lord Jesus Christ, it is my desire to walk with You for all of my life. Help me to know when I am being influenced by so-called ministers who are not strong believers in You. I believe that You are the one, true living God who became like me so that I could personally know You and make You my Savior and Lord.  AMEN   

Tags: identity, christian, new, john, testament


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