Introduction

This is a very simple question and those who call themselves Christians will state that they are on God’s side. But are they really? If it became a life-or-death situation, would they still claim to be on God’s side?

I’ll Die for Jesus!

How often have you heard people make this statement? Living their day-to-day lives, it’s easy to make the statement that they’ll die for Jesus or “die for the cause” meaning dying defending the bible and God.

But how many of these same people would make the statement, I’ll Live for Jesus? This is a harder challenge, for most, as it is a longer commitment. One who claims that they’ll die for Jesus is easy as, more often than not, their life is not threaten in any way that would make them own up to the statement. And, if they did, it would be brief given that they would, most likely, lose their life in the process.

To live for Jesus, on the other hand, requires a daily sacrifice of self and doing what needs to be done to live according to God’s word. Jesus said, Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) Other verses simply say, ‘take up his cross’, but I chose this one as it says ‘daily’ and that’s exactly how we need to view it.

But not everyone is in agreement with this statement. Perhaps this is why so many people lean toward Calvinism and the “Once Saved, Always Saved” creed.

One and Done

The idea of “Once Saved, Always Saved” is the affirmation that once you’ve given your life over to God (and are saved), you can continue to live your life as you always have and not change anything because you know you are saved.

But are you really saved? Are you really on God’s Side? The answer is No! Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23) It’s so easy to ‘talk the talk’, but they don’t ‘walk the walk’ and, when you get right down to the truth of the matter, they are no more a Christian than an atheist!

Obedience Must come First!

The idea of obeying the gospel makes most people tighten up as they want more of a free-flowing religious life. That’s why you’ll hear some people spout the phrase, “I’m more spiritual than religious.”

These are the individuals who are against attending worship in a church building stating that God doesn’t want this kind or organization for His followers. Really? If this is true, then why did Jesus say, “…I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)? Why did Jesus die for the church and purchase it with His blood (Acts 20:28)?

Why did Luke write, …And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)? The church is important as it is Christ’ body (Eph. 1:22-23) of which Jesus is the head (Col. 1:18). He’s not talking about the building, itself, but those who are a part of that congregation. The group of people are the church and they meet in a building; whether that be a standard structure (that people perceive as a church) or a simple storefront.

To get into the church you must be baptized! This is the one step that most people cringe at because they believe that since baptism is “a work” they don’t have to do it to be saved. But Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16) Peter confirmed, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) And the apostle Paul added, For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

Conclusion

Whose side are you on? If you are on God’s side, then you have obeyed His word and have become a New Testament Christian. If not, then you are on Satan’s side whether you want to believe that or not. As Jesus stated, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

Don’t settle for the traditions of men (Mt. 15:9), abide by God’s word (Jn. 8:31). Do it today while you still have the chance (2 Cor. 6:2; Jn. 9:4). If you need help in getting started, or want to know where you truly are in your spiritual walk, leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you!