There has always been this tension and debate about why anyone needs to do anything other than believe that Jesus died for our sins. Some will say that is all you need to get to heaven when you die. Then there are people like myself, who would tell you that there is more to being saved than simply agreeing that Jesus is Lord and being done with it. If there is no change, no repenting, no growth, no obedience to the commands given us, then one must question their salvation.

Most Protestant denominations today adhere to what is known as Sola Fide, which means “by faith alone.” However, as I have read and studied the Bible I can’t find anyplace that says or indicates that once you have accepted Christ as your Savior you are done. There’s nothing left to do, just go on living your life and look for heaven when you die. You can’t accept Christ as your Lord and not be obedient to His Word. There is no salvation apart from obedience. I know that many will find that statement to be something that rubs them the wrong way and many will immediately say that’s not true. But, before you burn me at the cross, read your Bible and give me one instance where obedience was not required of a saved person.

I heard a term once, “Vampire Christian.” What it means is that a person wants to receive a little of Christ’s blood, enough to be saved, but doesn’t want to have to work, be His student or have any kind of real relationship with Him. Do you really think that is what Christ expects, can you show me examples in the Scripture that show that attitude is ok?

If we simply take a back seat and do nothing in our lives then we are still defeated. We have no strength to call upon when needed. We are sinful from birth, we cannot be good apart from Him. We choose to sin and can justify the sin in many ways. How many times in your life have you lied to someone, and yet would you call yourself a liar? How many times have you called yourself a Christian and yet don’t live for Christ?

We all want to be good but we can’t be apart from the grace of God and strength He provides. We are not prepared. Jesus said”:

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. (John 8:34, New King James Version)

However, if we are real disciples of Christ, those who study, listen and follow His commands we are able to understand the pitfalls, the tricks, and see how we can use the resources that God has given us.
By practicing what Christ has taught us we will come to know the truth and the truth will set us free.

³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36, New King James Version)

If you do not practice to be a disciple then chances are that you will never see the inward transformation of your life. Just like the PhariseesA separatist and self-righteous sect in Judaism which prided itself in strict adherence to the Mosaic law, but which attended only to external and trifling details and actually nullified the law by adding to it human traditions., you will have the appearance of Godliness but inside you are still the same.

²⁵ “Woe to you, scribes and PhariseesA separatist and self-righteous sect in Judaism which prided itself in strict adherence to the Mosaic law, but which attended only to external and trifling details and actually nullified the law by adding to it human traditions., hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. (Matthew 23:25, New King James Version)

If you are to call yourself a Christian, then there must be a transformation. There must be a change in attitude and expression. Who we are on the inside will begin to show through and we will be different to all who meet us. We will make a difference in our society. It is a simple and subtle change but one that has all the power of God behind it.

It does not come to us without a cost. We are not just “poof” transformed into a super Christian. We must seek Him out, read and abide by His Word. This takes time and effort. Without this we are still just like the PhariseesA separatist and self-righteous sect in Judaism which prided itself in strict adherence to the Mosaic law, but which attended only to external and trifling details and actually nullified the law by adding to it human traditions..

¹ In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the PhariseesA separatist and self-righteous sect in Judaism which prided itself in strict adherence to the Mosaic law, but which attended only to external and trifling details and actually nullified the law by adding to it human traditions., which is hypocrisy. (Luke 12:1, New King James Version)

When it comes to good people the PhariseesA separatist and self-righteous sect in Judaism which prided itself in strict adherence to the Mosaic law, but which attended only to external and trifling details and actually nullified the law by adding to it human traditions. really weren’t that bad. They tried hard to follow the law and secure themselves a place in Heaven. The problem is that, it can’t be done. They couldn’t do it and neither can we. No matter how hard we try to be “good” we, at some point will fail. It is impossible to be good enough to get to heaven. I would call this the physical efforts. We try of our own will to do what is right and good.

In contrast we are taught by Jesus and Paul helps explain that love does not consist in actions but rather in attitude.  Who you are on the inside is who you will show yourself to be on the outside.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:22, New King James Version)

This is love, and this is where we fail without the Spirit of Christ living and breathing inside us.

⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.⁹ For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and electionA decision and action by God, at some time prior to the creation of the universe, by which He chooses some persons to receive salvation by His sovereign will and by-passes the rest. These chosen people, God will bring to a saving knowledge of faith, justify and glorify them through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:4-11, New King James Version)

¹ Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5, New King James Version)

We must seek to be transformed and molded into Christ each and every day. We must be immersed in His love and guidance so that our character traits become like His. We must take on the yoke of discipleship and live from the inside out showing our love and mercy to the masses. As He controls us we become like Him. We will never be perfect apart from heaven but we will endure until that time.

¹ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.
² Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
⁷ But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
¹⁵ Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. ¹⁶ Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
¹⁷ Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ¹⁸ For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. ²⁰ For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3, New King James Version)

Without Christ controlling us we have no power to effect change. We cannot deal with the problems of life or evil. We are called not to call Him Lord but to follow Him as Lord.

¹⁹ and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power (Ephesians 1:19, New King James Version)

So to go back to my belief that one must do more than simply confess that Christ is Lord. God is good and has not given me any special sight or ability to see your destiny. You may profess Christ as Lord and because of God’s goodness make it to heaven. But maybe you should consider what your life amounts to before you die, who were you, who did you help, what difference did you make. How will you feel when you fall in front of the Lord of Lords and confess you did nothing with your life?

Christ said “Follow me.” That is not a request but a command. Let us all obey that command and become true disciples of Christ.

Father, we are all weak and wish to do the least possible to gain the greatest reward. Forgive us for our sins. Father, birth in us a desire, a hunger to know you, to serve you, to show you to others and teach them to follow you as well. Give us the wisdom and strength to live powerful lives for you name. Amen.