Foward This: That is all that is required of Christians

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we show outwardldy displays to the world that we love Him. (1 John 2:3)


What a great verse we have here in 1st John 2:3. It feels good knowing that nothing is required of us other than posting outward symbols of our affection towards Him. That is the great things that separates Christianity from other religions. If you are feeling guilty about your sins, just let God know you are not ashamed of Him, and all will be alright. Oh wait I seemed to have misquoted this verse. What it actually says is;

And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. (1Jn 2:3)


That’s right, it matters not about the fish on your car, the T-shirt with a Jesus phrase, your WWJD bracelet, the art on your wall, or how many emails or Facebook posts you forward. You can forward 10,000 emails, and post the same on your Facebook. While this might briefly cover your guilt, it can’t touch your sins. Too many are out there trying to earn God’s acceptance, by outwardly displaying the fact that they believe God exist.
There are two problems with this. The first being that you can’t earn God’s acceptance. If you truly desire to know whether or not you are a child of God, you can actually know, but not by the amount of emails and posts, or Christian paraphernalia you have around you. The way you know according to 1st John, is to obey His commandments. John tells us that if we claim Him and do otherwise, the truth is not in us, and we are a liar. Does this mean that true Christians are perfect? Not at all. It simply means that if our life is not marked by obedience to Him, and repentance (not to be confused with remorse) when we do stray, then we are not truly His. All the post in the world will not change that.

The second problem is that we without blinking an eye claim the name of Christ. To many it is because they are His. To yet many others, it is simply because they are American, or because they grew up in a church building. To call on His name flippantly is to take His name in vain. Yes God’s name is taken in vain by ones actions, far more than it ever is by words. Before one posts to the world via internet, bumper stickers etc make sure your actions can back up that claim. The fish on your car goes a long way when you let your road rage be vented to them. As well it goes a long way to post how much you love Jesus on Facebook, right after the 30 post about participating in activities Christians have zero business participating in. Yes this goes a long way, though unfortunately in the wrong direction.

We in America have made salvation both cheap and easy. Salvation my friend is neither cheap nor easy. Being a member of the Christ’s true church is not a social club. It is not something we put on our resume of life, but rather it must be our life. It is time the church stand and took seriously the commands of our Lord Jesus.

We have a choice conform the world, or confirm to the Word. You can’t choose the world and say I am not ashamed of Jesus. According to His word, this would make one a Liar. This might not be the message out of many churches, but it is the message from the Bible 1st John to be exact. Have you truly ever come to know Him?