THE TRUE TEST

It is not as though the Word of God has failed.  For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring.  Romans 9:6-7

         Supposedly, 85% of all Americans call themselves Christians.  Sadly, many are not according to the definition of a Christian in biblical terms.

         The Jewish people, as a whole, call themselves Jews and sons of Abraham.  Sadly, most are not according to the definition of a ‘true Jew’ in biblical terms.

         The distinction between a Jew and a ‘true Jew’ goes back to the patriarchs themselves.  As Abraham looked forward ‘by faith’ to the coming Lamb of God, all of his true descendants did the same.  They were the remnant of Israel, not the whole.  When the northern and southern kingdoms were taken into captivity and lived as apostates, there was a remnant that remained faithful.  When Jesus was about to be born, though the whole of Israel was engaging in lifeless religious ritual, there was again a remnant that were true children of Abraham.  Joseph and Mary, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon and Anna; these were some of the ones ‘who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”  Luke 2:30

         The Pharisees were insulted, and indignant, when Jesus told them that they didn’t know God and were not children of Abraham.  It was prophetic of the day when God will say to so many, “Depart from me, I never knew you.”  Jesus could easily stand in one church after another today and deliver the same message.  “You do not know me, or my Father.” 

         The majority of those who call themselves Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God and that He died for their sins and was resurrected.  Upon that confession, they declare themselves to be a believer.  But even Satan believes that.

         The true tests are these.  As a Christian, I am a Christ follower in all of my life.  I hunger after righteousness because Christ is righteous.  I am repulsed by sin because my heart has been changed.  I am willing to count the cost and pick up the cross that goes with identifying myself with Christ.  I have exchanged everything I used to worship with the glory of Christ.  He is my one and only treasure.  The way I live my life proves it.  I live to make much of Jesus, not myself.

         Christians did not coin the word “Christian”.  It originated in the wicked city of Antioch.  It was what unbelievers called those who followed Christ.  “They are of-Christ,” the people remarked.  Believer’s devotion to Christ was evident in everything they did.  Would my world today say the same of me?

True tests are good for the soul.  Lord, break through the deception so that I see myself as you see me.  Amen