What do you think of Christianity?

“And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4.13)

If the Christian life is not the pursuit of Christ, then what is it? Is it a proper doctrinal statement? Is it a pure standard of holiness? Is it separation from error? Truly, one could be a Christian and have none of these. Not that we could say the Christian is not separated from sin, or doesn’t in some manner understand the holiness of the Lord, but to follow Christ is an action all its own.

The apostle Peter, the believing thief on the cross, the Christian martyrs, C. H. Spurgeon, A. W. Tozer, and you can all be followers of Christ, though none of you have agreed on all doctrine, holiness, and separation. Some Christians live in obscurity, some know little at all, some are incredible scholars, and some stand out among many for a mighty work for God, but all Christians have fellowship with Christ in the work which He has performed for them. No one is more saved than another, and none is more important in the fellowship of the saints. Truly, none is important at all except that Christ had redeemed him from sin. This makes him a child of God, and a fellow-heir with Christ, and this is the worth that he carries – not in himself, but in the heart and mind of God.

Now, to the contention.

Why, then, have we made the Christian life a code of ethics and policies that is made subjective to the opinions of both the judge and the one being judged? If we accept the sufficiency of Scripture for all matters of faith and practice, is such a situation even possible? Or, put another way, do we really think that the work of salvation, which is accomplished by God in an instant, can be made even more perfect by people who meddle, from Scripture, like tireless busybodies, trying to perfect the face of human righteousness, while routinely forsaking the preaching of the righteousness and holiness of God that can save men’s souls? And, brethren, is it not enough that we rule over each other’s consciences, but that we also have to extend our laws to the unconverted? Who made us a judge over them?

I ask you to consider this question. What do you know of God? Can you only quote Bible language about God, or do you also have the witness of the Spirit that burns in your heart and brings your mind, will, and emotions into conformity with Christ? To know what Jesus would do is not enough – we must know who He is. We must see Him in His glory, as did the Old Testament prophets, and the apostles, and surely we have received more of His Spirit than they did. There is no excuse for only a basic working knowledge of Bible doctrine when Christ’s own Holy Spirit is within us. Christians have actual communion with Christ! And the washing that occurs in fellowship with Him is the true mark of Christianity that cannot be misrepresented or duplicated another way.

You say you are a Christian. I ask, do you follow Christ? And what evidence do you show that you actually know Him? What verified the lives of the early Christians will verify or disprove you as well.

Go and find some discernment! Repent of your crippling attempts at righteousness, and work in the Scripture to see whether you are in the faith or not. Find Christ in all His glory, in all His beauty, and you will not be content to meddle long with the lives of others. Do you want to be useful to God? Seeking a ministry is not of primary importance. Seek His person, and your usefulness is in His hands.