Out of the Choir Loft

This is going to be a controversial post.  Let's just get that out there.
To begin, let's look at today's text:  Ephesians 5:1-10  (NET).

1Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 4Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting – all of which are out of character – but rather thanksgiving. 5For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them, 8for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light – 9for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth – 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

In yesterday's blog post, we delved deep into the first two verses.  The larger passage's message is this: "If you are a Christian, live like one.  If you don't, you probably aren't a Christian."

Here's my controversial statement:  most people who claim to be Christian ... aren't.

I hate to use personal experience, but it's the only kind I've had.  :)  (See what I did there?!)

When, as a youth, I accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, I knew that my life had been forever changed.  I was standing in church, after hearing a powerful sermon on Hell.  And, I knew I didn't want to go there.  I also knew very well that I was a sinner of the worst order, in desperate need of a Savior.  So, I "walked the aisle", was counseled by a godly woman, prayed to receive Christ as Savior and made my confession of salvation to the church, right then and there.  Later, I was baptized to show the decision that had been made in my heart.  To this day, I am as sure of my eternal salvation as it is possible to be, for several reasons, the chiefest of which is that God's Word is certain.  He will keep His promises. He never changes.

Not everyone who "walks the aisle", however, is a Christian.  Walking down a aisle doesn't make you a Christian anymore than walking into a McDonald's makes you a customer.  It's not until you "buy in" that you become a partaker of either God's grace or a hamburger, whichever the case may be. 

Case study:
The other day, on my friend's website, I was introduced to a wonderful Christian lady who accepted Jesus in adulthood.  I've got a brief (2-min.) YouTube clip of her giving a snippet of her testimony, from the TV show "Life Today", with Beth Moore and the Robisons.  Watch it here, and (perhaps)be amazed:

https://youtu.be/k_ZuGaXG8Fg

Can you imagine being this woman's preacher husband?!  He's standing down there in front of the church, as the "invitation" song is being sung, when out of the choir loft comes....his WIFE, to accept Jesus as Savior.  It's a wonder he didn't faint!  As I shared this with some friends online last night, one of them volunteered that her pastor had made a similar "I was a faker" confession some few weeks ago.

What is my point here?  I'm asking that you examine your heart to see whether you are a Christian or not.  In most cases, if you are honest, you know the answer already.  We all fall into one of several categories:
1.  You call yourself Christian because either you did some "churchy thing" or it was done to you, such as being baptized as an infant.  Wearing the label "Christian", does not mean you ARE one, whether you are a "good girl" or "good guy" or not.  (This was the category Jan Morton fell into.)
2.  You know for sure you are not a Christian, because you know you have definitely NOT thrown your hat into the ring for Christ.  You may have been resisting His call to you, or you may not have yet heard it.  Regardless, you are confident that you are "on the other side" - - - "lost as a coot", as we say in the South.
3.  You know for certain that you belong to Jesus Christ, because you made a personal, heartfelt decision to follow Him, and your life has never been the same.  That doesn't mean you've never had a sinful lapse or a moment of doubt....Satan is a masterful deceiver, who will try to get you to question the promises of God.  In times of doubt, Satan can be shut down with his nonsense by your affirming, "God's Word says it; I believe it; and that settles it."

As Paul emphasizes, the way people live their lives (vs. 9) are strong indicators of whether they actually have met and embraced Jesus as their life-changing Savior...or not.  They are trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord, and are doing their best to live it.  A person's public persona is not a fool-proof barometer.  You heard Jan Morton testify that she was an "always good girl".  NO ONE would have suspected she was anything other than a Christian!  Yet, she was lost and on her way to Hell.  I thank God for her powerful testimony - - - that PRIDE did not prevent her from making her decision for Jesus Christ and "walking the aisle" to testify to that fact.  You may have, in your life, as have I, been "burned" by fake Christians.  Some knew they weren't "the real deal", and others did not because they had been duped by Satan.

My pastor says that we will find ourselves very surprised in Heaven.  Many we "expect" to see won't be there; many we don't expect to see ... will.  Only each individual who honestly examines his or her heart knows for sure.

One last point:  you can become a Christian without walking down an aisle.  All it takes is a true, heart-felt yielding to the Holy Spirit, as He calls you to salvation.  In your heart (not just your head) believe on Jesus as God and as the ONLY way to God; confess your sinfulness and need for Him as Savior; accept Him into your life forever.  No "aisle" needed.  However, I do believe it is important to become part of a Bible-believing congregation and confess your decision to them as evidence of the transformation that has taken place in your heart.  Same with baptism...both these are outward signs of inward grace.

Where "are you" today?  Are you on the outside, examining this Jesus, wondering if He can be truly trusted?  Are you "in the choir loft"?  Don't be in bondage to your pride and/or your "church robe". I'm begging you to be honest with yourself and be sure of your decision today.

Father, so many of my lovely friends are "living a lie".  Reveal the truth to them about their salvation, Lord!  And, please reveal to each of us who are Yours already the truth about areas of our lives where we are "dabbling in the dark", when we need to be walking in the light.  In Jesus' name, amen.