Knowing “about” Jesus is not enough

By Shane Idleman

Is it possible for a person to “say” that they are a Christian and still not be saved? The answer is a resounding “yes.” In the book, A Prophet With Honor—The Billy Graham Story , the author wrote of young Billy’s conversion at a revival service: “Although Billy was a mental storehouse of Scripture and vice-president of his church’s youth group [before the revival service]…he probably never imagined that he was not a Christian. But the sermon that evening convinced him that he had not yet fully surrendered his life to Christ.” For young Billy, and for us, “knowing” about Jesus is not enough.

We are reminded of this truth in Matthew 7:22. Many will come to Jesus and say, “Lord, Lord have we not done many things in Your name?” And He will say to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (7:23).

Think about that: Jesus will deny a personal relationship with many who thought they “knew” Him. Several years ago, I applied these verses to my life: “But Lord, Lord, I attended church, prayed from time-to-time, and gave money to those in need, and I was basically a good person.” The answer was the same, “I don’t know you.” That realization transformed my life.

Knowing “about” someone is not the same as knowing someone personally. Unfortunately, many of us who call ourselves Christians fall into this category. Matthew 7:19-21 also confirms this, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

These scriptures are not promoting a works-based religion; they’re demonstrating the importance of having a genuine relationship with Christ — a relationship that produces godly fruit. Genuine faith is reflected in a transformed life, a love for God and His Word, sincere humility, selfless love, true repentance, and a disconnect from the world. Does your life reflect these characteristics? If not, you may be on the broad road of destruction that Jesus spoke about.

“The gospel, when rightly understood and received, sets the heart against all sin” (Matthew Henry). A disobedient life should raise concerns. A.W. Tozer said it this way, “The idea that God will pardon a rebel who has not given up his rebellion is contrary both to the scriptures and to common sense.” When we truly accept Christ, there is a complete change in the way we live our lives; we are no longer in rebellion against God. I John 2:3-4 says, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him [Christ],’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

The word “keep” here means to keep watchful care of. In the same way that a ship’s captain is committed to keep his course to reach his destination, the sincerity of our commitment to Christ can be measured by how well we follow the scriptural course, with love and humility guiding the way. From time to time, we, like ships, will drift off course. Perfection is not the answer; a commitment to keep the course is.

When we die and stand before Christ, we’ll either hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; you kept the course,” or, “Depart from me; I never knew you,” and, by then, it will be too late. Remember, knowing “about” Jesus is not enough. Millions of Americans know who Jesus is. They pray from time-to-time, and they go to church on occasion, but very few surrender and commit their lives to Him.

This Easter, don’t simply go through the motions and risk eternal separation from God. Humble yourself and ask, “If I die today, do I have peace knowing that I’m saved, and that I’m truly committed to Christ?” If not, you can change that today: Repent and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out and times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). Make no mistake: Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. Romans 10:9 powerfully declares, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Trust me… you don’t want to live your life with a question mark here.