A Biblical Litmus Test in How to Tell the Difference Between a Christian and Cultural Christian

 

____________________________________________________________________

PLEASE TEST EACH BLOG I POST WITH STUDY, RESEARCH, AND PRAYER. JUDGE MY WORDS AGAINST THE WORD OF GOD AND THE SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE AND THEORIES I USE TO SUPPORT MY RESEARCH TO ENSURE MY THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE IN ALIGNMENT WITH BOTH THE BIBLE AND SCIENCE.

                 ___________________________________________________________________

A Biblical Litmus Test in How to Tell the Difference Between a Christian and Cultural Christian

Christendom, in modernity, is going through a list of negative adjectives—e.g., hypocritical, foul, obnoxious, nasty, and, on occasion, violent transition—that is getting worse and worse not only in the United States but on a global scale. Even though this transitional event is occurring in the physical plane, its origin began in the spiritual realm (Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 14:12-21, Ephesians 6:10-20). The veil between the terrestrial world and the spiritual realm is thinning (Matthew 24, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).  

In Apostle Paul’s letters to the Corinthian church, he wrote about the veil in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 as it pertains to Christians who keep the word of Christ—that is, as best as any human is able—versus those who knowingly or unknowingly are Cultural Christians:

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So, who is a Christian or a Cultural Christian? Is there a biblical litmus test that can determine whether someone is one or another? Identifying who is a Christian or Cultural Christian can sometimes be challenging. Still, when you examine their lives (how they live their daily lives and interact with others), words (the words they use to speak about themselves and others), and actions (what they, as an individual or group, do in the light, what they do in darkness, and to others), can be used as a barometer to give you some indication.

I must state before I go any further that I will not talk about what “I” believe makes a person one or the other because, like everyone else, I am a sinner. I have committed many sins throughout my life. Only by the grace, salvation, death, and resurrection of Christ Jesus and God’s love will my name be found in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, Rev.13:8, Rev. 17:8, Rev. 20:15, Rev. 21:27, Rev. 22:19) when I bow before God on the Great Day of Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).

Definitions of Christian and Cultural Christian:

·    Christian: “A Christian is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”[1]

·     Cultural Christian: “A cultural Christian is a person who identifies as a Christian, but they don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. Cultural Christians believe that they became a Christian through attending church, by being baptized, and by being a good person. For the cultural Christian, religion is something that they add to their life to make things a bit better. After all, who doesn’t want to live the way that they want to live and still get eternal life thrown in? In genuine Christianity, Jesus is not merely admired; he is followed. If we truly know Jesus, we will love him, worship him, and spend the rest of our days seeking to please him.”[2]

Biblical Litmus Test

Below, I will cite and/or provide a hyperlink to scripture given to us by the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the authors of the New Testament for you to use to perform your test. It is essential that you do not take my word as “gospel” but use it as a starting point for your “own” private or group study of God’s word. And please remember what Hosea said in Hosea 4:6a: “My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.” But don’t just read this single sentence from the Book of Hosea, but read the entire book, or at minimum, the chapter.

What Did Jesus Tell Us, as Christians, We Should Be Like and Do?

Please read The Sermon on the Mount, also known as The Beatitudes, in the Book of Matthew, chapters 5 through 7 (hyperlinks to Matthew 5, 6, 7). Below is a verse from Jesus’ The Sermon on the Mount that I believe is relevant to what is not happening in the United States and The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

The Sermon on the Mount: Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48, NKJV):

“43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35, NKJV):

“21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

What Are Other Signs of a Follower of Christ and Not a Cultural Christian

Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake (1 Peter 3:8-17):

Called to Blessing

“8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 9 not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For

“He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
11 Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Suffering for Right and Wrong

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

To conclude, I ask that you take time to read and study your Bible to truly understand what God has to say about this and ask the Holy Spirit for “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17b). If you have any questions, please email me at eschatology777@yahoo.com.

---

[1] Wikipedia. Accessed November 24, 2024. “Christians.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christians.

[2]  Wallenmeyer, Pastor Michael. March 16, 2022. “The Message: The danger of cultural Christianity,” Watertown Public Opinion. https://www.thepublicopinion.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2022/03/16/cultural-christianity-brings-dangers-without-relationship-jesus/9385113002/#:~:text=What Is cultural Christianity%3F,by being a good person.

______________________________________________________

Here is the sinner’s prayer if you are moved to give your life to Christ, and please send me an email if you would like me to say a prayer for you –

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins, rose from the dead, and are now sitting at the right hand of God the Father. I turn from my sins and invite You into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord 

___________________________________________________

Leni D. Anderson, MLIS, MA.AC

Eschaton Transition Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/981000569639718