This is a reminder I often give to our people.
If you asked me, “What is your biggest fear as a pastor?” The answer would be easy.
I fear for people in our flock who think they are Christians when they are not. I fear for those who have false assurance about their salvation.
Stating it baldly, some believe they are headed for heaven and the reality is that they are destined for hell.
That some have false assurance is a fact. The Bible teaches that there are a group of people who think they are Christians, when in fact they are not. Their faith is dead (James 2:17
); their calling and election is not sure (2 Peter 1:10). On the last day, Jesus will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you (Matthew 7:21-23).
When some, who think they are Christians, find out that they are not, and that it is too late – – this will be the most terrible moment ever faced in human history.
If you have any questions about this, by all means talk to a mature believer soon. For more on the Gospel, see here.
Excellent post Chris. There are many who sit even in our congregation whom I am afraid do not really know the Gospel. It is preached faithfully each Sunday by our fine pastor. Yet, it does not seem to penetrate their heart. My husband and I lead a Sunday school class and have just a very few who come faithfully each week out of a very large congregation. This is true in other classes. I join you in prayer for those who think they are Christians but have never really made that commitment. I was one of those who went through confirmation class but did not truly know the Lord. Thank God by His mercy….He brought me to the cross when my husband and I were in college. I also read your Gospel presentation and was blessed by its clarity. Thank you for your pastor’s heart and for your writing.
Fallout from years of the “decision” approach to evangelism?
Scott, certainly in part. But then, false assurance has long been a problem, hence there is so much in the New Testament warning about it.
Chris,
I agree with you, brother. However, I also have discovered that some I thought were true believers were not, and others I questioned were truly born again!
I’m glad that it is the Holy Spirit who discerns this, and not us mere humanbeings.
You know, you’re absolutely right. That’s why you get the big bucks.
I agree. I’m thankful I’m called to warn, but not called to make the determination. So thankful.
Since when is being a believer “making a committment?”
Where is that in scripture?
Emily, I’m not sure what your quote refers to: “making a commitment.” The Gospel is received by “faith.”
As a pastor, this is what scares me also. I have believed for quite awhile now that our mission field is in the church. Thanks for this posting.
Tom, thanks for your encouragement. It’s encouraging to know that other pastors are also concerned.
Pastor Mike says the one of the scariest verses in the Bible is Matthew 7:21. Goes along with what you were saying.