“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)
In yesterday’s post we began investigating the “roots” of faith in which many today place their trust for eternal life. We looked briefly at a doctrinal statement that many misunderstand and/or misinterpret as the foundation of their confidence they’re going to heaven. We also looked at Baptism, which does not save anyone at any point in their lives.
Today I’d like to look at a few more ways that many today are being deceived into believing they’re “safe” from judgment, when in fact, they are not.
Another common misunderstanding that leads to deception is our “good works.” There are at least two categories of people who fall prey to Satan’s lies. First, there are many who don’t attend church or even profess faith but believe God will allow them to enter heaven because they are a “good person.” Their goodness is often based on things like being supportive of good causes, paying their bills, not breaking the law, etc. “Good” is essentially defined as not being “bad.” And, honestly, there are some very good people, who do a lot of good things that are still not going to heaven.
Secondly, churches are filled with people who believe their “good works” are gaining them favor with God. Their faith is rooted, not in Christ and all that He accomplished on our behalf, but on their investment in their church. Their schedules are filled with activity – very good activity, helpful, God-honoring activity – but their hearts are far from God. It’s not about Him, it’s about them.
Faith is never produced by good works. Good works are produced by believing faith. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God’s presence in our lives because our faith is rooted in Jesus, not in ourselves.
Closely related to this deception is what I think of as “celebrity” worship. Many churches are packed, not because of Jesus, but because of a “celebrity” preacher. The ministry isn’t built on a solid, Biblical foundation, but on the popularity of the church’s “superstar” pastor. Honestly, this isn’t always the pastor’s fault. Pastors should be loved, but not worshiped.
Some people’s devotion isn’t to the Lord, it’s to their pastor/leader. If you asked them if they “worshiped” their pastor, it would be offensive to them, but their heart is tuned to how they can please the pastor more than how they can please and honor the Lord.
Am I being critical or judgmental? As God is my witness, that isn’t my desire. What I’m seeking to do is be God’s voice to people who are dearly loved by God and who believe they’re going to heaven, when in fact their faith is a mile wide and an inch deep. They have no spiritual root system because their faith is misplaced.
And I can “hear” someone saying: “How can that be? I pray, I tithe, I’m faithful to serve my church, etc.” So did the Pharisees and Sadducees while Jesus walked this earth, but they were also the ones who had Him nailed to the Cross. That’s the terrifying aspect of misplaced faith. It leads us to believe we’re 100% right when we’re actually 100% wrong.
Folks, there is salvation in no other name but Jesus. If you’re trusting anything or anyone else to get you to heaven, your faith is misdirected and you’re heading into a Christless eternity. Please get on your face before almighty God and seek Jesus before it’s eternally too late.
Click on the link below and learn what you need to do to find the only One who can give you what you’re seeking. https://hutchcraft.com/the-bridge-to-god
Blessings, Ed
Walking With Jesus 