Many today make the claim to be a Christian (like-Christ), yet they are trees without good fruit. Jesus warned us of these false believers who make the claim, but it is all talk. “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20). The world will know the true followers of Christ by their love, which is witnessed in acts of love and not simply spoken words and commitments. Many are deceived by their own lives because they believe they are like-Christ, but instead remain spiritually dead. They will tell you, “I believe in the one true living God and that His son is Jesus the savior of the world!” So does Satan and all of the demons! Yet, their belief will not get them into heaven just as those who proclaim to know Christ without true repentance. This repentance (meaning to go the opposite direction of this world ruled by Satan and his many followers) is from the heart and not the mouth.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:14-26).
MANY who are destined for an eternal existence separated from God make the claim to know Christ. This is their condition now, and it will be their existence beyond the day of judgement. If the Lord is speaking to your heart right now, listen! Surrender all and follow Him. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ – Did we not become a member of the local church and attend there regularly? Did we not read the bible and participate when others prayed? Did we not give money to local church? Did we not participate in “Christian” activities? Did we not listen to Christian music and avoid things like Halloween? And on and on the list will go. – Jesus then said, THEN I WILL TELL THEM PLAINLY, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:14-26).
MANY who are destined for an eternal existence separated from God make the claim to know Christ. This is their condition now, and it will be their existence beyond the day of judgement. If the Lord is speaking to your heart right now, listen! Surrender all and follow Him. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ – Did we not become a member of the local church and attend there regularly? Did we not read the bible and participate when others prayed? Did we not give money to local church? Did we not participate in “Christian” activities? Did we not listen to Christian music and avoid things like Halloween? And on and on the list will go. – Jesus then said, THEN I WILL TELL THEM PLAINLY, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
