Top 10 Reasons Not To Be A Christian

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01/27/19 - Zephyrhills Bulletin

Are you a Christian yet? If not, why not? Here are the top 10 reasons why some people delay in becoming a Christian, along with a brief response:

10. “A lot of Christians are hypocrites.” – This is a true statement. Many Christians are hypocrites. This should not be too surprising, because there are bad apples in every basket. The standard to which God calls us should not be judged by a few bad apples. Besides, would you rather spend a few years, putting up with a few hypocrites in church, or spend eternity with all of them in hell? (Matthew 13:24-43)

9. “I am not good enough.” – When one becomes a Christian, it is not because he or she is good. In fact, we become Christians because we recognize that we are not good. We are sinners. The redemption of the Christian is based on grace and faith, not one’s own righteousness (Romans 3:21-28). If it was based on righteousness, nobody would be a Christian, much less be saved (Romans 3:23; James 2:10-11).

8. “I do not know enough.” – Do you believe there is a God? Do you believe that Jesus is His Son, who died on the cross to save us from our sins, and was resurrected to give us hope? Are you willing to accept Him as your Lord and Savior, to follow Him wherever He leads you? His commands are simple: After hearing the gospel, you must believe, repent from your sins, confess Him, and be immersed in water into His body (Romans 10:8-18; Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27). The rest will come with time and diligence (1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 5:12-14). Trust Him.

7. “It is too hard.” – Being a Christian is hard work. Before one becomes a Christian they should count the cost, and commit themselves to Christ, whatever the cost (Luke 9:57-62; 14:26-35). However, you should know that choosing not to be a Christian will produce a life that is even harder (Matthew 11:28-30). To help us, God has provided spiritual tools that enable us to grow as a Christian and overcome this life (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18). These tools are only available to Christians (Ephesians 1:3). If we run away from the difficulties of being a Christian, we will run straight into a trapped life of ruin and misery, which will bring insurmountable and eternal difficulties.

6. “I am too wicked. God could not forgive me.” – What have you done? Have you persecuted Christians? Forcing them to blaspheme their own Savior through slow and painful torture? Have you persecuted them to the point of death? If God can accept Saul, the persecutor of Jesus and Christians (1 Timothy 1:13-16; Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22), and if He can forgive those who crucified His own Son (Luke 23:33-34; Acts 2:36-47), then will He not readily accept you (Luke 15:1-32)? Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, including yours (1 John 2:2; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).

5. “But, that means my family is going to hell!” – Once someone realizes the truth of his condemned state, it does not take long before he considers the fate of his loved ones. This realization often produces much worry and heartache. Such a person may allow this concern to overpower his desire to save himself. However, denying the truth will not change their true state before God (1 Corinthians 4:1-5). The only real hope of saving your loved ones is to first become a Christian, and then you can reach out to them with the gospel. Ignoring the judgment to come does not make it go away. Turning a blind eye only makes condemnation inevitable (Romans 11:7-10).

4. “God is merciful. He would not condemn me.” – God truly is merciful. He does not want any to be lost (2 Peter 3:9). That is why He gave His son to be sacrificed upon the cross, thereby giving us an opportunity to be saved (John 3:16). However, the Lord is also just, and He will one day return unexpectedly, as a “thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). Then the door of opportunity will be closed, and only those who are prepared 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 obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). This is God’s promise and warning. Will you ignore the warning?

3. “I am a good, moral person. God would not condemn me.” – On that last great day, there will be many surprised people, whom we might would consider good, moral people. Many might have even 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; Matthew 7:21-23). Are you obeying the Lord’s command (Mark 16:15-16)?

2. “I’m not ready yet. Maybe tomorrow?” – Some people want to finish sowing their wild oats. Once they have had their full of sin and its pleasures, then they plan to offer their ragged life to God, just before they expire. Such people underestimate God. He will not be tricked, or mocked (Galatians 6:7-8). You will reap what you sow. In reality, the race is not to become a Christian before you die, but to repent before your heart becomes hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, unable to hear the word and repent (Hebrew 3:13; Luke 8:4-15).

1. Me, myself, and I – Few, if any, would readily admit this is the reason for delaying their conversion. However, at some point, all of the nine above reasons cease to be barriers, and they become excuses, masking their own selfish, stubborn rebellion as the true reason (Romans 1:18-32). However, such people will one day find themselves surrounded by all the selfish beings that ever lived, angels and people (Matthew 25:41-46). How effectively will you be able to serve yourself and find happiness in that realm of eternal evil, darkness, and suffering, where nothing good dwells?

Conclusion: If you are delaying becoming a Christian, then please answer the question, “Why”? What stands in your way between you and the Lord? Why will you not do what you know to be right? How do you know this is not your last chance before you either die or your conscience becomes so hardened that it can no longer be pricked by the truth? If something still stands in your way, please talk to me, or any Christian about it. There is nothing worth losing your one and only eternal soul (Mark 8:34-38)!