Am I Really A Christian?
A few years ago I was sitting in my office with a young man who was a professing Christian, but whose life bore little evidence of any commitment to Jesus. As we sat in that office I challenged the validity of his salvation. Then all hell broke loose. He stormed out of my office, out of my ministry, and out of my life (for a short while). Meanwhile, his mom did the opposite: she stormed into my office, into my ministry, and into my life (for what felt like an eternity). I still feel like my decision to question that boy’s salvation was the right one. Even though it became one of the most controversial issues of my tenure at that church. People called me arrogant, self-righteous, and judgmental. Students left the ministry. Parents lobbied for my dismissal.
Questioning the spiritual condition of another human being is serious business and nobody (especially me) does it better than Mike McKinley in his new book, Am I Really a Christian?. In this incredibly enjoyable and very readable little book, Pastor Mike McKinley presents a biblical litmus test for salvation. His basic argument is that there are five biblical markers of true conversion.
. . . five things always characterize genuine faith in Christ: Belief in true doctrine. You’re not a Christian just because you like Jesus. Hatred for sin in your life. You’re not a Christian if you enjoy sin. Perseverance over time. You’re not a Christian if you don’t persist in the faith. Love for other people. You’re not a Christian if you don’t have care and concern for other people. Freedom from the love of the world. You’re not a Christian if the things of this world are more valuable to you than God (140).
After dealing with each of these criteria in their own chapters, McKinley turns his attention to the question of confidence: can I ever really know that I am a Christian? His answer is yes – as long as you belong to a local church. McKinley explains that the local church is where the questions of conversion should be asked and answered. He teaches that ” . . . Jesus authorized the church to help publicly establish who is a Christian and who is not. . . So if you want help knowing whether you are a Christian, find a local church that believes and teaches the Bible.”
This book is a true gift to the true church. Pastor McKinley writes as a faithful shepherd, a gifted teacher, and a real friend. Miraculously McKinley manages to imbue these difficult and emotionally charged pages with a very winsome sense of humor and a very deep compassion. The only thing that I can say critically of this book is that I needed it earlier – as I struggled with my own doubts (another story for another time) and as I counseled people in my ministry. If you are a pastor or Christian counselor this book is a must read and a must buy – in bulk. If you are someone struggling with doubts about your own Christianity, please read this book. It might just change your life.
Sounds like a real good read, Jamie… if I want to “check myself” out; but I don’t think I’d want to read it to make judgement concerning someone else’s Christianity. As a Christian, is it not true that the only judging we are to do is among ourselves where “sin” has occured? If someone professes to be a Christian but tends to be walking differently than we, (as long as they are not sinning) my question would then be, what’s wrong with that? … just trying to understand and learn more here. I pray no offense be taken by my remarks. Thanks for posting and thanks for allowing me to respond.
July 13, 2011 at 10:22 am
Hey Lia, let me try to answer your questions. First, let me define the word judge. Biblically we are called to use discernment to evaluate the reality of our lives and the lives of those around us. If we use the word judge to describe this activity, then it is an appropriate activity. However, we should never sit in arrogant judgment over someone else as if we are perfect. Also, nobody should want to make a judgment concerning someone else’s Christianity, but Scripture repeatedly calls us to do just that. Secondly, we are to judge ourselves when we sin, but we are also called to judge others when they sin. However, this judgment does not extend to just “walking differently.” We are not called to judge people who are different than us. We are called to judge/discern/hold accountable our brothers and sisters in Christ who are practicing sin. It might be helpful for you to read the following passages of Scripture: Colossians 3:16 teaches that brothers and sisters should admonish each other; Titus 2:3-4 teaches that we should instruct and train each other regarding what is (and is not) appropriate; Titus 2:6 tells us to encourage self-control; Hebrews 10:24-25 challenges believers to meet together and encourage each other to be more Godly; Galatians 6:1 commands believer’s to help sinning brothers; Matthew 18 teaches us about church discipline; and Luke 6 tells us to take the log out of our own eye, and then to take the speck out of our neighbor’s.
Thanks for your questions, I took no offense to them at all.
July 13, 2011 at 11:15 am