The Simplicity that is in Christ

By John Weaver

September 1, 2024

One of the greatest dangers facing Christianity today is the same as it was 2,000 years ago. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth that he feared their minds were being corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  

I see where people in the Bible asked the important question, “What must I do to be saved?” I have yet to see a complicated answer. Today, it is the same as it was then: “…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31, 32).  

Sadly, just as the Pharisees added to their ever-growing list of rules to burden people with, many church leaders do the same today. Even more tragic is when the rules become more important than what is ultimately important. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

If a person believes with all their heart, God will direct their path. We must consistently point people to the simple message of the gospel. Believe on the Lord Jesus. If this important first step is taken, many other steps will follow. 

Tell a new convert that the path of a believer means a love relationship with Jesus. Tell them their most significant and crucial requirement or expectation is to love the Lord with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. And right next to that is to love people in the same way.  

Jesus said that many would say on 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?” (Mt 7:22) Jesus said his answer would be the most horrible words anyone could ever hear. “…I NEVER KNEW YOU: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt 7:23).

These are people who, no doubt, did what they claimed. They preached, were active in all kinds of good church activities, and even cast out demons in the name of Jesus. Yet they had missed the first step. They had no relationship with Jesus. They followed something or maybe someone, but it wasn’t first and foremost Jesus. 

I greatly fear that many people are also active in doing good things today. There are many good things done to receive favor from God. (There is certainly nothing wrong with doing good things.) But the good works must be in response to the relationship that is already established, not to establish the relationship. There is a big difference. 

The most unlearned, illiterate person can often grasp the simplicity that is in Christ before the highly educated person will. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. A love relationship with Jesus means an empowered life. The proverb says it well:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov 3:5-6).  

 

« Back to Articles