It’s a provocative question but I think it’s one we should ask; not to cast judgment toward others. I think we should ask it when we look at ourselves in the mirror.
Some people think they have it all figured out – everyone goes to heaven: you, Mother Teresa, and Hitler. Many people think whoever who does ‘enough’ good works will go to heaven. Others ‘imagine’ that there is no heaven or hell. But none of these views align with what I read in the bible.
Thankfully, I can’t judge the hearts of my fellow sojourners. God says, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy.” (Romans 9:15, quoting Exodus 33:19) His grace cannot be earned or bought. It’s a free gift to all who truly believe and repent of their sin. But if we really believe that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” we should live accordingly, full-out, right?
The wheat and tares grow up together but are separated at harvest. There is a narrow gate that few go through and a broad gate to destruction that many enter. We’re told that all of Israel will be saved. But just as “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel,” (Romans 9:6) it seems not all who think themselves Christian are actually followers of Christ. Scripture calls for an active and living faith, evidenced by actions, that continually grows in maturity and fruit.
Jesus says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16) It’s a warning to those who profess to believe one thing but live in ways that contradict that belief. While the natural response of a devoted follower of Christ should be ‘hot’ (on fire for the Lord), He’d rather us be hot or cold than lukewarm. His warning is to take a stance and live according to your belief. Otherwise, He will ‘spit out’ the lukewarm, unless they come to repentance. Does it seem likely He will spit out authentic Christians?
For sure, none of us live a perfect life. If we could, we wouldn’t need a Savior. We all seek to live too much in the comfort zone instead of growing up in his likeness. It’s not a matter of who is a better Christian than someone else. It’s a matter of the heart.
God searches and knows our heart and invites us to do the same. Ask yourself if your desires and ambitions in life truly match His. Ask God to reveal the secrets of your heart that even you might not know. Ask Him to reveal if there is anything lukewarm about your faith and to change your heart.
Lukewarm is great for baths and picnics, but it’s a dangerous place for us spiritually. Don’t judge others. Simply yield your life to our wondrous and merciful God who wants to draw you into his presence – now and for eternity.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10-12)