Wishful Thinking

     What would you call someone who doesn’t believe what Christ taught?  A Christian?       Probably not.  You might call them a non-Christian.  That would make more sense.

     Well what about people who call themselves Christians but disagree with Jesus?  I’d say they’re practicing wishful thinking.

     “Now hold on for just a minute,” you say.  “How can a Christian disagree with Jesus?”

     Good question.  My dictionary defines a Christian as one who believes Jesus was sent by God to save the world.  It also says that Christians accept and follow his teachings and example.

     A person was called a Christian in the first century because he or she believed Jesus was the Savior and they turned to him for forgiveness of their sins. ‘Christian’ means ‘Christ follower.’

     According to eyewitness reports, when Jesus Christ walked on the earth he claimed to be God in human flesh.  Not just another teacher or prophet.  God.  He offered his miracles as evidence.

     Those who believed him followed him and became his disciples.  When he taught them that Heaven was a real place and that he was going there, they wanted to know the way to get there.

     Jesus’ simple answer leaves no room for misunderstanding.  He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

     Another time he added, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.”

     It’s clear that Jesus taught he is the only way to salvation from sin and an eternal home in heaven.  He said he was “THE” way and “THE” door.  Not just “A” way or “A” door. 

     According to a Pew Forum poll, 70 per cent of Americans, including 57 per cent of Evangelical Christians, believe that “many religions can lead to eternal life.”

     While we might wish it were so, no evidence exists to support the view that “many religions can lead to eternal life.”  But Americans seem to think we can vote on everything–even truth!

     Only one person has ever claimed to be the Son of God who could prove it. That was Jesus Christ. He predicted that when he was killed, he would rise from the dead.  And he did.

     Those who followed Jesus also found that faith in him transformed their lives.  As a result, the Bible records they taught what Jesus taught–that salvation is found in Christ alone.

     They preached (and the Bible proclaims), “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

     Does that sound like “many religions can lead to eternal life”?  It doesn’t to me either.

     As author A.W. Tozer observed, “Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God, nor is he the best of several ways; He is the only way.”

     We must choose between the Church of Wishful Thinking and following Jesus Christ.  The Church of Wishful Thinking offers a “hope so” religion.  Jesus Christ offers truth and assurance.

     The Bible says, “This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

     A Christian believes in Jesus Christ and follows him.  And at least one thing involved with following Christ is obeying him.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

     Those who don’t believe what Jesus taught and don’t obey him may be religious but they’re not following Christ.  For them to think they’re a ‘Christian’ is just ‘Wishful Thinking.’

     Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!