MANY ARE CALLED CHRISTIAN

There are three kinds of people living in our world today:  people who call themselves Christians, Jews, or "none of the above."  By population, of the estimated seven billion people, about thirty-one percent (2.2 billion) claim to be Christians.  But, while Christianity is the largest religion, not all those claiming to be Christians are born again believers.  In fact, based upon statements by Jesus to His disciples, it is likely that the vast majority of professing Christians are just that:  Christian in name only. 

Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Mt. 7:21-23).  On another occasion, Jesus said, "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Mt. 22:14).  The word "called" comes from the Greek κλητός (klētos), which means "summonsed" or "invited."  "Chosen," is from the Greek ἐκλεκτός (eklektos), meaning "ones selected from the many." 

You see, 2.2 billion have heard about Jesus and they have joined a group of people praising Him, but the vast majority of them fail to understand that worshipping Him and obeying His commands (being religious), will not do them any good.  Notice that those coming to Jesus told Him what THEY had done, thinking their good works would find them favor with Him.  Jesus called their works "iniquity," that is, SIN!  Religious works are useless when it comes to our being born again; the only "work" that results in a Father/child relationship with God is our faith in HIS WORK!  Jesus told those wanting to know what they could do to please God, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him (Jesus)whom He (the Father) hath sent" (Jn. 6:29).

Today, Jews, Muslims, and Christians, are looking for their Messiah to come "straighten out the rest of the world."  The Jews long for their king.  The Muslims long for their warrior.  And, the vast majority of Christians long for their "Santa Claus." 

Born again believers long for an eternity praising and thanking Him!