“Christians” who will be denied Heaven (Part 2)
In part one, we discussed what Heaven is and a brief description of Hell. And we finished with Blasphemers of the Spirit.
Now we’re to part two where we’ll discuss individuals who believe they’re “Christian” because they’re “Good” or “Active in Church.” We’ll also discuss false gospels and those who are “Christian” in secret.
“I’m a Good Person”
There’s a common misbelief that “good people” will make it into Heaven. However, there are some glaring problems with that philosophy. It contradicts scripture.
“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise if anyone seeks God. 3 But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!” – Psalm 14:1-3
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” – Romans 3:23
The Bible tells us not only does no one do good, but that everyone has sinned. And there’s only one way to be forgiven. Through Jesus Christ and the free gift He gives to all who believe. It has nothing to do with anything we “do.”
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
Many will fall prey to the idea that as long as they’re a “good person” they’ll go to Heaven. Jesus tells us to seek Him. In these passages, He lets us know that there’s only One Way to Heaven.
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus Christ said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture.” – John 10:9
“I’m Active in My Church”
Just as people who believe that as a good person, they’ll get into Heaven, people who are merely active in their church will also be denied Heaven.
Why? Because Christianity is not photosynthesis. You can’t just go to church and think you’re automatically saved. You have to make the choice.
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10
If you go to church but can’t remember a time when you turned from your sins and made a declaration of faith to follow Jesus Christ, then you’re what would be considered a non-believer.
Take heart. If you’re reading this then you still have a chance to make it right. Keep reading until the end, when we’ll discuss what to do next.
Believing in a False Gospel
A “false gospel” is a belief that’s not biblically accurate. Many of the prosperity gospel preachers and false teachers (Joyce Meyers, TD Jake, Paula White, Joel Osteen, Steven Furtick, Bill Johnson, Rick Warren, and many others) take the scripture and alter it. They change it to suit their needs rather than how it is.
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” – Matthew 7:15-20
“Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.” – John 14:24
This would include denominations that don’t believe the Bible is the inherent Word of God. Therefore, they will either add or take away from it to suit their needs. These denominations include but are not limited to:
Pentecostals (aka New Apostolic Reformation and Word of Faith movement), Presbyterians, Methodists, and 7th Day Adventists.
“And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.” – Revelation 22:18-19
Related articles: Pentecostals vs Christians – aren’t they one in the same? and Has Satan infiltrated and taken over the Christian church?
You’re a “Christian” in Secret
Some people grow up in a non-religious household. Or in a household that practices a religion other than Christianity.
Perhaps you hang out with people who are not just atheists but anti-God. If that’s you, then I’d first say that you should get rid of those friends. Why? Because you’re unequally yoked.
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“’I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’
“17 Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’
“18 And, ‘I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’” – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
But more importantly, by hanging around those types of people you might be swayed to be coerced into renouncing your faith in Jesus Christ. Even if you’re only doing it to appease them. Jesus tells us in His Word,
“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32-33
In other words, by kowtowing to peer pressure from your “friends,” you’re also losing your entrance into Heaven.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” – John 14:6
I’m sure some will quote Romans 8.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Notice how everything Paul references is external. Following Jesus Christ is a choice we make. Just as choosing not to follow Him is a choice.
You have to choose Him to receive salvation. And if you reject Him, that too is a choice.
“And [Jesus] said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’” – Luke 9:23-25
“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, 10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” – 2 Corinthians 6:9-10
Continue reading and find out what you need to do to receive salvation in “Christians” Who Will Be Denied Heaven (Part 3).
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