Many of the things listed in this article are necessary to be a faithful Christian. After all, those who practice lawlessness will not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21). Though we need to do most of the things listed, many people incorrectly believe that doing these things will be enough to ensure their salvation. Here is a list to consider:

1. Always going to church.  Attending a church does not mean one is going to heaven. Even in the Bible, Christians were rebuked even though they kept “going to church” (Rev. 2-3).
    
2. Believing in God.  People can believe in God and Jesus without being faithful to them. If someone believes in Satan, are they automatically a follower of Satan? Of course not! Some believe and are not faithful (James 2:19; John 12:42-43).
    
3. Praying always. It would be wrong to conclude that all prayers offered to God are acceptable (Matt. 6:5-7). The fact that ungodly behavior can hinder prayers does not stop these people from praying anyway (I Pet. 3:7).
    
4. Believing the Bible is God’s word. There are plenty of criminals in this world who know the law was but do not follow it. Accepting the Bible as God’s word is meaningless if we do not read and obey it (James 1:22; II Tim. 2:15).
                                                                   
5. Going along with what the church does. Being devoted to the church is not the same as being devoted to Christ. We are to be converted to Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). The church is not the head – Christ is (Col. 1:18).
    
6. Having a strong desire to go to heaven. Desiring heaven does not mean a person is going to heaven. On the last day, many will be shocked to find out they are lost (Matt. 7:21-23).
    
7. Avoiding evil deeds. Not doing evil deeds is important, but we must also be born again (I Pet. 1:23). One is not a truly new person until they bury the old man (Rom. 6:3-7).
    
8. Being a “basically” good person. We cannot assume that heaven will be our home just because we feel we are not as bad as the “truly” wicked. This mindset forgets that all have sinned and need God’s mercy and grace (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:8).
    
9. Believing that God loves them.  There is no question that God loves everyone (John 3:16). This love will not overlook sin though. Heaven will not be their home (II Cor. 5:9-11).
    
10. Being a very religious person. Talking often about spiritual things does not guarantee heaven. Many religious people walk in darkness (Matt. 15:7-9). Dying for what you believe in is meaningless if you do not follow He who died for mankind (John 8:24).
     
11. I tell people to follow the Lord. Telling others to do the right thing does not mean you are also doing right. Many teachers are guilty of hypocrisy (Phil. 1:16; Rom. 2:21-23).
     
12. My grandfather was a member of this church. Having faithful family members does automatically save the whole family. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were faithful, but Timothy needed his own faith (II Tim. 1:5).

                                                                                               Chuck

Does God appoint them?

The other day I Goggled, “How many countries are in the world?” Most parties agree that the answer is 196, but some counts were higher or lower depending on whether certain territories were recognized as their own countries. Does our heavenly Father control who governs each of those countries? If there are Christians in every one of those countries, can they use the Bible to say that whatever is happening where they live is a fulfillment of prophecy?

I raise this issue because many religious people mishandle the scriptures. Some contend that whatever is happening in America is a fulfillment of what you read about in the book of Revelation and in other parts of the Bible. Let’s look into this and clear some things up.

First, we need to make note of Romans 13:1-7. In this text, Paul mentions some important facts that would apply to anyone, anywhere, who was reading the passage.  He teaches that it is the responsibility of every saint to be subject to their governing authorities no matter the form of government – a democracy, a republic, a dictatorship, etc. (verse 1). This same verse reveals that all earthly authorities are appointed to rule by God. Christians who resist these earthly authorities are resisting the ordinance of God (verse 2).

But does God ensure that certain people are elected and others are not? “God appointed” means “God has permitted”. For example, Pilate stated that he had power to crucify Christ or release Him. Jesus replied that, “You could have not power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above,” (John 19:11).  Yes, God no more put Pilate in office than He did make Him crucify Christ. Leaders have free will, yet it is also true that our Creator has ordained governments in order to support those who do good works (Rom. 13:3). As Paul told the Roman brethren, citizens who obey should generally not have fear of their governments.

What about immoral governments? Are Christians obligated to live under their rule? Paul taught that Christians are to be loyal subjects and therefore pay taxes. This is done both to avoid the wrath of the government and for the sake of conscience (Rom. 13:5-7). Keep in mind that he was telling this to Christians who lived under corrupts and often cruel Roman rulers. The Roman leaders were sinful, but these Christians were still supposed to respect their authority. This is true for modern Christians too - they should respect their government officials even if they do not agree with every decision they make.

The word of God is relevant for people living in the United States today, but it was not written just those living in the United States. Many people believe that Christianity is a western religion because Jesus was born as a Jew (Luke 1:30). We must remember, though, that Jesus lived as God before coming to the earth (John 1:1). It is also important to remember that all are one in Christ – there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female (Gal. 3:28).

Christ came and died for all of mankind, not just select groups. He reigns at the right hand of the Father (Acts 2:29-36) and has made eternal life available to those who obey Him. The fulfillment of Gen. 12:3 happens whenever anyone obeys the gospel (Gal. 3:29).  It is dangerous to force modern events to fulfill of Biblical prophecy, especially the figurative language found in Revelations. Those who do this are creating their own doctrine (discussed in the following article).

Saints know that doing anything against the will of God is sin, and God has called us to obey our earthly leaders. We may not love every decision our earthly governments make, but we should recognize God’s wisdom that having government is better than no government!

   Chuck