What is the difference between a true Christian, and one who professes Christianity but who’s faith is only “propositional”? There are many aspects and possibilities in answering the question above — but let us just consider a few of them.

A true Christian, a real Christian and not a self-deceived “Christian,” is one who’s life is joined to Jesus Christ by faith alone, and evidenced by a life of ongoing repentance and obedience to the Word of God (Ephesians 2:1-10, ESV). This will be understood in a struggle to avoid sinful thoughts, actions and behaviors that do not please God. The Apostle Paul asserts in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV) This is not just a New Testament perspective, but the anticipation in types and shadows from the Old Testament.

The prophet Ezekiel’s words serve as just one example: “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Now, on the other hand a self-deceived “Christian” may have hidden sins hiding under publicly charitable works. You see, many think such “good” works will outweigh the balance side of sin but it will not! As one Puritan writer put it, “Poor, ragged nature, with all its highest improvements, can never spin a garment fine enough to cover the soul’s nakedness. Nothing can fit the soul for that use but Christ’s perfect righteousness.” (Thomas Wilcox, 1621-1687)

Furthermore, if you pride yourself in your evangelical skills or gifts and knowledge, and do not cultivate godly wisdom you then risk an eternity apart from Jesus Christ. Ask yourself the question: “Do I stand on Christ’s righteousness, or on my own?”

If the latter, then you will only have misery and ages upon endless ages of torment before you with no respite. No one spoke more of eternal punishment than our Lord Jesus Christ.

And finally, if you believe you have a safe harbor in being baptized as an adult, or sprinkled or poured water upon as an infant — think again. Ordinances and sacraments will not save you from the wrath to come “unless one is born again,” or “from above.” (John 3:3b, ESV)

John begins his Gospel in chapter one writing, “... who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:13, ESV) Mark it well, only the unscriptural and self-deceived, whether pastors or lay people believe in the demonic doctrine of “baptismal regeneration.”

Dear reader, please consider as the Apostle Paul exhorts in 2nd Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you fail to meet the test.” (ESV)

Christianson serves as pastor at Grace Reformed Church in Clarkston.