Christian Standards (Part 3A): Man's Journey on Earth

"Some believe in their own reasonings that they are on the Christian path because they are not anti-Christian, so God will give them the heavenly promises. Some progress by embracing the faith even to the extent of baptism, but stop attending church services. They justify their actions by their reasonings that God understands their peculiar situations and quotes, ‘once saved, always saved’. Elders and Pastors are important in guiding us on the path we take― but the best person to check whether you are on the Christian path is yourself." 

CHRISTIAN STANDARDS (Part 3a) 

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

One of the fairest events in the world is the gift of salvation. Whether you are rich and famous or poor and incognito, God treats us equally. The joy felt in heaven is no different as the verse above tells us plainly over the joy felt when one sinner repented.  It is the will of God for everyone in the world to enjoy His gift of salvation(2 Peter 3:9). 

God, in his kindness to all mankind, reminds the rich and mighty to be humble as He says:

 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty: and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence” (1 Corinthians  1:26-28). 

Salvation does not exclude the rich and wise but in this warning, God is telling this group of people to humble themselves as otherwise, salvation will pass them.

Part 3 of this series of articles on “Man’s Journey on Earth” is divided into two sub-parts: Part 3(a) and 3(b). The Christian Standard is the model behavior of a Christian as established by the Bible. When a person takes the Christian path at the fork, you are expected to behave in accordance to the Bible teachings. 

Part 3(a) is primarily written as a timely warning to those who find observance to some Christian standards as chores rather than privileges. If one finds the situations in the warning section below applies to you, then you might have not embarked on the Christian path yet. I hope you will read on and come to the Christian path. In Part 3(b) I will write exclusively to those who are on the Christian path whereby the subject of Christian standards becomes relevant.

A person who takes the Christian path is called a Christian. In the past when we say that someone is a Christian, we have a picture in our minds of a person who was once a  sinner and after taking the Christian path, this person has become honest and trustworthy.  It is true that anyone who is on the Christian path is a changed person. An example is John Newton who discontinued his business as a slave trader when he became a Christian. 

There is an imperative in Christ’s teachings that a Christian must not sin further and accordingly, all that are called Christians must have this desire to change from their sinful ways and conform to Christian standards. Sadly, as time moves forward, the image of Christianity has suffered declension. Unnecessary adjectives have been added to prevent the deterioration of the word “Christian” such as “Bible-believing Christian”, “Church-going Christian”, etc. We don’t see such adjectives added on to reputable brands like Rolex. Only when there is an imitation model, we have to use adjectives like “Swiss Rolex” or “Grade A Rolex” or “Grade C Rolex”.  I believe that there is no necessity to add adjective to the word “Christian”. What is needed is to set out the Christian standards clearly and if one fails the standards, they are simply not a Christian.

A warning and the blessed truth

A warning

We often hear this conversation quite often: I have two messages for you. One is bad and one is good. Which would you prefer to hear first? 

This article introduces the bad news first.  Otherwise, you may stop reading and ignore this warning after reading that the good news of your salvation is immutable. 

In the last message, i.e. Part 2(b) of this article, I’ve mentioned that some people may have thoughts that they are already on the Christian path but in God’s records, they are not. They may even be participating in church ministries. It is akin to someone who says that the exam was a breeze after coming out of the exam hall, only to find out later that this person has failed the exam! Salvation is a serious matter and those who believe that they are Christians must seriously confirm it with the Bible teachings that they are right on the Christian path. 

Some believe in their own reasonings that they are on the Christian path because they are not anti-Christian, so God will give them the heavenly promises. Some progress by embracing the faith even to the extent of baptism, but stop attending church services. They justify their actions by their reasonings that God understands their peculiar situations and quotes, ‘once saved, always saved’. Elders and Pastors are important in guiding us on the path we take― but the best person to check whether you are on the Christian path is yourself. 

Indications that you may not be on the Christian path can be detected in the following suchlike situations:

• You have no interest to gather with the Lord’s saints to break bread.

When a person believes in the Lord and is baptized, there is an earnest desire to gather with like-minded believers to fulfill the Lord’s commandment to remember Him. In Luke 22:19, the Lord said, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me”. 

If you proclaim to believe that the Lord has died on the cross for you, how is it possible to nonchalantly consider the Lord’s request to remember Him in the manner He desires? Likewise, how can you say that you have believed? 

This is a clear indication that you may not be on the Christian path.

• You have no interest to engage in prayers and Bible study in the Church.

I'd expect someone defending the above omission by claiming that they are doing it in their own private time. Furthermore, they may argue that the Church Bible teachers are not qualified or some would say that they are already more knowledgeable than the teachers.  These arguments are weak because it is difficult to go against the Bible teachings in Acts 2: 41-42 below:

Act 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 

Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

If you are on the Christian path, you are reminded to heed the words in the passage:

1) “They” refers to all the 3000. Some of the 3000 probably are more educated than the Lord’s Apostles.

2) “Stedfastly” refers to their action, i.e. what they are doing in a regular fashion.

It is understandable if you miss some prayer or Bible study sessions. However, if you are gathered in your local church, it is rather strange that a Christian expresses no interest in the avenues God has provided to you. 

• You have no interest to improve your character.

2 Corinthians  5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 

When a person takes the Christian path, there must be a desire to improve one’s character. Your conscience will prick your heart on what needs to be changed or improved. All sins, whether it is pride, dishonesty, stealing, adultery or lying are despicable acts. The Holy Spirit will guide and speak to you to avoid sin. However, if you think you are on the Christian path but have no grief over your sins, you may not be on the right path yet.  

A casual attitude towards sin is an indicator that you are still on the current path.

• You are rebellious against the Church

In the Bible, Christians are always described as sheep and not wolves. There is definitely good reason for using such a metaphor as sheep are normally compliant, and not rebellious. Those on the Christian path are expected to be obedient to Church regulations and elders as they watch over their souls (Heb 13:17). 

A rebellious nature is contrary to those on the Christian path. I am not advocating that a person should be totally compliant to the church. If you do not agree with the church programs or if the church is preaching heresy, you can politely inform the leaders and leave the Church. Indications that you are not on the Christian path is when you pay the minimal respect to the institution of the Church, especially the church you are attending. 

The local church is an institution purchased with the blood of Christ and is termed the ‘Bride of Christ' (Eph 5:23, 32). Disrespecting the local church is tantamount to disrespecting Christ who is the Head of the church. A common form of rebellion in churches happens when church members do not support the church activities but create their own programmes such as fellowship meetings outside the church without the approval of the church leaders. Will such activities be disrespectful to Christ as the Head of the church? 

• Your salvation is anchored in works and not faith 

Charles Wesley was born in a Christian home and was an ardent student of the Bible. In 1735, he went to the Americas to preach the Gospel. He thought he was saved by his righteous actions but despite his great learnings, he did not realize that salvation was by faith and not by works. Only in 1738, when he was studying the book of Galatians carefully with the help from Luther's notes, he realised that salvation comes by faith and not by works. From thereon, Charles Wesley walked the Christian path with newfound joy. The testimony of Charles Wesley shows that conforming to sound Bible doctrines is very important to a Christian. 

The need to be clear that you are on the Christian path is never overemphasized. We only live in this world once. The above indications are not exhaustive. If you deceive yourself or are being deceived by someone who leads you into believing that you are on the Christian path, when you are not – it is a mistake of unmeasurable disaster.  The Lord has given a similar warning as quoted below:

Matt 7:21 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. 

Matt 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 

Matt 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The blessed truth

Once a person is correctly directed to the Christian path, a blessed truth emerges. This is the good news! You are always saved. There could be times when you are not so strong in the faith, but at all times, you will never deny the Lord and His goodness. A Christian has continual abhorrence towards all forms of sin. The comforting verses below applies to all of us on the Christian path. 

Hallelujah! What a Saviour.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 

Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 

Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 

Rom 11:29  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 

“Without repentance” means that God will not change his goodwill towards His followers.

Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.

The above verses remind us that once we are on the Christian path, we enjoy eternal security. Even now, whilst continuing our journey on earth, we are sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us.

With God’s Blessings,

CL