Unsaved who go to church

There are churches and entire Christian denominations full of people who are not yet saved. These people go to church on a regular basis, give of their time and money to the church, yet they do not know and have not accepted the gift of grace through Christ. And it's not just the mainstream cults that fit this description. What these people have been told and what they are trying to do is earn God's love through their actions. All of their good works are motivated by a "got to do it" attitude. If you stop and think about it, that's what the worldly stereotype of Christianity is - earning your way to heaven. That's what I thought it was all about before I was saved.

In contrast, someone who is truly saved… who has salvation through accepting His gift of grace... has a whole different motivation for their good works… love. The love that was shown to them on the cross shines through them in a "get to do it" attitude. They recognize that God loves them and has loved them all along… Enough to bear the punishment for their sins past, present, and future.

So these people described in the first paragraph above have a couple distinct characteristics. They are not yet saved but they think they are doing the right things to get there. However, they go through life not really sure if they are "good enough" yet. Unlike some people you may share the gospel with, they already believe in God and most believe in Christ (even some of the cults). The message of true salvation may sound too easy to them. Yet in their attempt to add to the grace of the cross, they unknowingly make a mockery of and cheapen the perfect gift.
Let's pray for these people this Wednesday as we fast. Let's pray that they find the truth, start a relationship with Christ, and enter into the assurance and life change that such a relationship brings.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother in Christ,
Bob