Introduction

On Judgment Day, there will be a lot of people shocked and disappointed as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, gives them their verdict and it’s not the one they were expecting. Assuming that they are bound for Heaven, they soon realize that they will spend an eternity in Hell.

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)

The sad reality is that millions of people out there think that they are right with God when they are not. Even though the bible tells them, in black and white, what they must do, they decide to “stick with the traditions they were taught. There are many reasons and, below, are just a few of why it is not enough.

It’s Not Enough…

To attend worship. Many people “go to church” on a weekly basis and they consider themselves Christians because they do so. They don’t understand that the church is the people themselves (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18; Rom. 12:5).

To just read the bible. One must study the bible in addition to reading it. And, by studying, you’ll realize that you must do something to become a Christian (Jas. 1:22; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 2:15)

Just to pray to God. Talking to God is one thing, listening to Him (through His word) is another. Too many people want a one-sided conversation in which they talk, God listens, and that’s enough (Jn. 9:31; 1 Jn. 4:6)

To simply do Good Deeds. So many people think that by doing many good deeds it will outweigh the bad ones. And, in turn, it will get them into Heaven. (Rom. 10:17; Jas. 2:24)

To simply believe in Christ. How often have you heard people say, “All you have to do is believe in Christ”? Belief is not enough! (Mt. 7:21; Jas. 2:24; Rom. 10:17)

To just call yourself a Christian. Calling a horse’s tail, a leg doesn’t make it true no matter how many people you convince. The same goes for calling yourself a Christian. You must put in the work and do what the bible says to become a true New Testament Christian.

What Must I Do?

Here’s the basic steps that you must do to become an actual Christian…

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live Faithfully even unto Death (Rev. 2:10)

For further information on these steps, read this article.

Conclusion

Sitting in the church building doesn’t make you a Christian any more than sitting in the garage makes you a car. You must abide by what the bible teaches and be obedient to God’s word. It’s not too late to start your life anew.