Is believing enough?

The 2001 census showed that 42 079 000 in Britain identified themselves as Christians. This equates to 71.6 percent of the population. 'Operation World' 2001 puts the percentage at 67.6 percent.

About 6 million of the population are regular Churchgoers. This is a massive discrepancy. Whilst not going to Church doesn't necessarily mean you are not a practising Christian I doubt anyone of any belief reading this blog would argue that 71% of Britain are practising Christians!!

So what is the difference between someone who claims to be a Christian and someone who truly is:-

I read John 3 this week and I think it is very relevant in this matter. I have picked out a few key verses and will explain them.

John 3:1-2

 ¹ Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Nicodemus believes in God. He is a teacher of the law for one. He also can see that Jesus is a bit special and believes that He is from God.

John 3:30

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again

So believing isn't enough?

John 3:5-8

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”^[d]

We are all born of the flesh, otherwise we would not be here today! But being born of the sprit takes more than just believing. When we ask for forgiveness from God we ask Him into our lives and He enters through His presence on earth, know as the Holy Spirit. The Spirit changes us to become more like the people God created us to be, in His image.

The word Christian was an insult to the early believers meaning 'Little Christ'. Being a Christian is not just about believing in God but it is about believing in Christ which is shown by following Him and becoming 'Little Christ's' ourselves, which we cannot do without the Holy Spirit's help. Jesus promised His presence with us always in Matthew 28 and this is it.

Maybe you want to become a Christian or make your belief real in your life through the Holy Spirit. Please message me on facebook if you want to talk about it more :)