On Hypocrisy and Humility

One of the most popular criticisms against the Church today is that Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites.

So, how has the Church responded? By conceding. By saying, "Okay, you're right. We're not perfect. We're just sinners saved by grace."

But, I think we've missed the mark.

Those who criticize the Church today are right. We've got some major problems among us still.

But, the answer we've chosen has not gotten us to the root of the problem. In fact, I think it's moved us farther from the truth. In an effort to remain honest and humble, we've taken on a self-deprecating stance that admits we're just defeated and beaten down people who will get to go to heaven when we die not by our own works but by our faith in Christ's death and resurrection.

But, this doesn't seem like what the Scriptures say. Sure, the Scriptures say that we are saved by grace through faith so that no one can boast. But, they also say that we are more than conquerors. They also say that the old has gone and the new has come. They also say that we have been given the mind of Christ. They also say that we are saints. They also say that we will do even greater things than Jesus did.

But, the attitude I described above doesn't sound quite so victorious. No wonder people aren't interested in Christianity today!

I'll admit we have been hypocrites. We have still sinned even after being saved. But, the answer is not to just concede that we can't win the battle against Satan and the battle against sin. We can! And, we have!

So, why are we still sinning? Because the Father of Lies has convinced of another little fib. He knew when God raised Jesus to life that he had lost. But, he had to find a way to keep his power. So he said, "They aren't slaves to sin anymore. They are free and governed by a new spirit. But, if I can get them to believe that they aren't free and that they don't have power over sin, they'll stay just where they are." And, you know what? We've bought into his lie. We've said, "You're right. We are still sinners."

So, what do we do now? STOP BELIEVING HIM. NOW. We are victors! We should claim our identity as saints! We are not governed by sin any longer! Do you feel like you just can't stop that habitual sin? YOU CAN. Throw off the sin that so easily entangles. It is that simple. It is! Cast out Satan and his lies. He has no power over us. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. And, he will always give us a way out of temptation. We are not governed by our sinful nature or by Satan any longer. So, cast him out and be the holy saint that you are!  

I think that this is the grace through faith that the Scriptures talk about. The faith that Jesus conquered sin and death and that we are not slaves anymore. Salvation is here. Today. We are eternal beings living in the victory that Christ bought. If you don't believe this, then the sanctifying work of salvation through FAITH is probably not working in you very well. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world any longer, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2). Renew your mind by believing the truth about your identity in Christ. It isn't by our works, so we can't boast. We can only boast in the cross of Christ. And that's humility. Confidence in Christ's work not our own. But, this does not mean that we should claim an identity as sinners. Scripture says we can boast! We can boast in Christ's work! We are saints! And, we must cling to the truth that Christ's death brings salvation and victory today!