By Larry Ray Hafley
Our title is a question that you can probably answer very quickly, but will you answer it correctly? As a member of a religious institution or at least as one who believes in God, you may have concluded that you are a Christian. However, the Bible teaches that being a Christian is more than being “religious.” The Lord showed this to be true in Matt. 7:21-23, when he said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in diy 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.” These individuals regarded ,hemselves as pious and zealous servants of Christ. The Lord said, “I never knew you.” Could this be your condition?
In the New Testament there were no Christians who were also known as “Baptists,” “Methodists,” “Lli,herallS,” “Pentecostals,” “Presbyterians,” or “Catholics.” The gospel that the First Century believers obeyed did not constitute them members of any of the prominent denominations that we find so prevalent in our society. Have you, then, obeyed the same gospel which they received?
Do not regard this matter lightly. Perhaps you think it is not necessary to read or to consider this matter further because you are convinced that you are a Chfis,ian. Are you sure that you are not relying upon your own “experience” or “personal testimony” rather than the word of God?
In order to be a Christian, a child of God, you must:
1) Believe-“He that believeth not shall be damned” (Mk. 16:16).
2) Repent-“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
3) Confess-“With the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:10).
4) Be Baptized-“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Again, we ask you, are you a Christian?
Truth Magazine XX: 48, p. 764
December 2, 1976