Why Delay In Becoming A Christian?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn all my years as a Christian, the following are some reasons (?) I’ve heard as to why folks delay in becoming a Christian, along with a brief response:
1) “A lot of Christians are hypocrites” — While this is indeed a true statement, consider the fact that there are hypocrites in every phase of society. Let’s ask ourselves this question, “Would I rather spend a few years, putting up with a few hypocrites here on the earth, or spend eternity with them in hell?” (Matthew 13:24-30).
2) “I’m not good enough” — Folks, we will never be “good enough!” When we become a Christian, it’s not because we are good, but because we are sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:10). The redemption of the Christian is based on grace and faith – not one’s own righteousness (Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:21-28). If it was based on our righteousness, no one could become a Christian (Romans 10:1-3).
3) “I do not know enough” — We need not possess an abundance of Bible knowledge in order to render obedience to God’s will. Do we believe there is a God? (Mark 12:32; cf. Isaiah 45:6). Do we believe that Jesus is His Son, who died on the cross to save us from our sins and was resurrected to give us hope? John 3:16; cf. Matthew 28:6; 1 Corinthians 15:20).
Are we willing to accept Him as Lord and Savior – to follow Him wherever He leads us? (Matthew 16:24). Are we willing to render obedience to His simple conditions of salvation? (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:8-10; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:1-6). Are we then willing to grow spiritually, devoting time and diligence to that growth? (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 2:1-2; 1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 5:12-14).
4) “Being a Christian is too hard” — Yes, there’s no question that being a Christian is definitely a demanding life (but it is an “abundant life” as well (John 10:10). Before we become a Christian, we should definitely “count the cost” (Luke 14:26-33). However, facing the judgment of God as a non-Christian will end in eternal disaster (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 2:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
5) “I am too wicked. God could not forgive me” — What sin have we engaged in that can’t be forgiven? Have we persecuted Christians? Forcing them to blaspheme their own Savior through slow and painful torture? Have we persecuted them to the point of death?
If God can accept Saul, the persecutor of Jesus and Christians (Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-22; cf. 1 Timothy 1:13-16), if He can forgive those who crucified His own Son (Luke 23:33-34; Acts 2:36-47), then will He not readily accept any of us (Luke 15:1-32)? Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, including mine (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:2; I Timothy 2:5-6).
6) “But, that means my family is going to hell!” — Once we realize the truth of our condemned state, it does not take us long before we consider the fate of our loved ones. We may allow the displeasure of accepting their lost condition to overpower our desire to become a Christian. However, whether or not we choose to recognize the state of our loved ones, will not change their state before God (1 Corinthians 4:1-5).
The only hope of saving our loved ones, is to first become a Christian and then reach out to them with the gospel of Christ (cf. Acts 8:34; Acts 18:28). Ignoring the judgment to come, will not make it go away. Turning a blind eye only makes the condemnation inevitable (Romans 11:7-10).
7) “God is merciful – He would not condemn me” — Yes, our God is indeed merciful (Psalm 86:15; Psalm 145:8). He does not want any to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). That is why He gave His Son upon the cross, thereby giving us an opportunity to be saved (John 3:16).
However, the Lord is also just (Isaiah 45:21 KJV), and will one day return unexpectedly, as a “thief in the night” (I Thessalonians 5:1-3). Then the door of opportunity will have closed, and only those who have prepared themselves, will be saved (Matthew 25:1-13).
At that time, He will be “revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). This is God’s promise and warning. Will we ignore the warning?
8) “I am a good, moral person. God would not condemn me” — There will be many good, moral people on that last day, who will be surprised. Many might have even have acknowledged Him as Lord (Matthew 7:21). Some might have gone so far as to have performed many great works in His name (Matthew 7:22).
However, if they have not obeyed and performed according to the Lord’s command, then Jesus will not recognize them, and they will be eternally condemned (Luke 13:23-27). Are we obeying the Lord’s command for our salvation? (Mark 16:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 16:30-33).
9) “I’m not ready yet – maybe tomorrow” — Some people want to finish sowing their wild oats before giving their life to God, while others, just before they expire from this life! However, such folks underestimate God. He will not be tricked, or mocked. We will definitely reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8). In reality, the object is not to become a Christian before we are at the point of death, but to repent before our heart becomes hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, unable to hear the word and repent (Hebrews 3:13; cf. Luke 8:4-15).
Conclusion:
Dear reader, if you are delaying in becoming a Christian, then please answer this simple question: “Why?” — What stands in your way between you and rendering obedience to the Lord? Why will you not do what you know to be right?
How do you know this is not your last chance, before either you die or your conscience becomes so hardened that it can no longer be pricked by the truth? (Hebrews 3:12-15) Our Lord tells us that there is nothing worth losing our eternal soul over (Matthew 16:24-26; Mark 8:34-38). Won’t you please seriously consider rendering obedience to the Lord’s will today? (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).