Barna recently released an article titled “Do American’s Change Faiths” in which they examined a survey response of approximately 2000 respondents to determine if Americans change faiths or if they maintain the faith of their childhood. This is interesting to consider for a couple of reasons.
First, as we are sharing the Gospel sometimes the objection that we here is something like “you are a Christian because you were raised as a Christian and I am am Muslim (Hindu, etc) because I was raised that way).” For the Christian, this is not really a valid argument. Being born in a Christian home does not make one a Christian. Being born in a garage does not make you a car and being born in a Christian home does not make you a Christian. Jesus said that a man must be born again (John 3) and this is done by repenting of sin and trusting the Gospel (Mark 1:15).
Second, since we engage in evangelism the question becomes do people really change faiths from hearing the message? According to the article:
Among those who were shifting toward Christianity, the most common motivations were going through difficult life events (such as divorce, a health crisis or death of a loved one); getting older and seeing life differently; wanting to connect with a church and grow spiritually; discovering Christ; or wanting to know what was in the Bible.
I believe this is where the problem lies. I would submit that none of these are the reason to change faiths. Don’t get me wrong. Christ and the church can provide comfort in difficult times and there is nothing wrong with wanting to connect and grow spiritually or knowing more about the Bible. But, the real reason to turn to Christ (and be called a Christian) is when one recognizes that they have sinned against a Holy God and deserve only His wrath for all eternity.
The Bible says that a day is coming when each man will be judged for his own deeds. Hebrews 9:27 puts it this way “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment”. We know from the scripture that this judgment is based on the Ten Commandments. Give yourself a quick test to see how you will do. Answer yes or no to each of the following questions:
- Have you ever had a god before the true God of the Bible?
- Have you ever bowed down to an idol? This might be as obvious as worshiping an idol carved of wood, or it might be putting your job, car or house before God.
- Have you ever used God’s name or Jesus’ name as a curse word or in any irreverent way? This is called blasphemy and is a very serious offense.
- Have you ever failed to keep the sabbath, or not set aside time to worship God?
- Have you ever dishonored your mom or dad either to their face, or by giving them a bad name by your actions?
- Have you ever murdered anyone? Before you answer consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 that says that if you even hate someone or call them a fool you are already guilty of the judgment. Have you ever hated someone or called them a fool?
- Have you ever committed adultery (had sex wth someone you were not married too)? Again before you answer, consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 that say if you even look with lust that you have already committed adultery in the heart. Have you done that?
- Have you every stolen anything?
- Have you ever lied?
- Have you ever coveted (desired) something that belonged to someone else?
How did you do? Ten simple questions. Did you get 10 no’s? If so, please go over the list again? The Bible says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The truth is that every person has broken every one of these commandments in thought, word, or deed. God is perfectly good and just. He must punish sin. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man to die in the place of sinners. Jesus never broke God’s law. He claimed to be equal with God, and to have power to forgive sin. He claimed to know all things. He said of Himself, “I have power to lay down My life (crucified), and power to take it up again (resurrected).” Jesus died in the place of sinners, and was raised to life on the third day. It was not the price that was paid that satisfies God, but the worth of the One who paid the price: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God commands you to repent, and to place your faith in the indescribable gift of Jesus alone, that you may not be condemned, but have eternal life. (Mark 1:15, Acts 17:30, John 3:16)
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.Proverbs 28:13
For a video presentation of the Gospel, please watch this 5 minute video:
The point is that coming to Christianity because life is hurting is the wrong reason to come. The reason to come to Christianity is out of repentance, to confess and forsake sin and then to cling to Jesus Christ, the one and only sacrifice for sin.
My we boldly proclaim this truth to the whole world so that they may be changed to the one true faith!
For more on proclaiming the excellencies of Jesus Christ, please listen to Tony Miano’s message “Him we proclaim!“
