An Object Lesson of Smug Religion Udskriv
Skrevet af Jørn Nielsen   
Mandag, 10. oktober 2016 14:33


This modern age sells out the gospel.  The popular notion of "accepting Christ"  often boils down to just a mental assent.

Donald Trump is boosted up as a "born again Christian" and a popular preacher recently announced that he "led him to salvation".  Some of us prayed for Trump before he in his second debate broke his lance with Clinton.  Indeed, we longed to see just the slightest evidence of a humble follower of Christ.

The  Christians may prefer him anyway, but his behavior, language, mudslinging, hot-tempered attacks on Hillary, his playing down his lewdness by referring to Bill Clinton´s "much worse" sex-scandals  - all that indicates that he is not born again and indwelt by His Spirit.

Some would tell me that I´m just "judgmental", for Trump may still be a "babe in Christ".  True, as babies in Christ we may still adhere to things from our old life till we are soon led into the practical upbringing of His grace that denounces our old ways (Tit. 2:11-12). Who of us doesn´t know by experience that gracious work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Our Lord said,  "you will know them by their fruits"  (Mt. 7:16-17) and to the religious professors, John had to say, "Brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance?"  (Mt. 3:7).  That kind of language is tabooed today.

The way is still open for Trump to humble himself like the tax-collector in Luke 18:13 as the sinner that doesn´t pass on his sins to other sinners as Trump did.  The tax-collector saw himself as the chief of sinners.

What about Hillary?  She needs repentance too.  She kept saying, "This nation is great, because we are good!"  No, she and the nation are not "good".  She and all of us must come to the same place of repentance that cries before God, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!"  (Luke 18:13)

Oct. 10, 2016 - jn