How many of your friends and relatives would you think are headed for hell? How about coworkers or well known acquaintances? Where would this rank in your level of concerns?
How is your standing with God for eternity? Keep in mind that on at least two occasions, Jesus warned that some folk who thought they were “in”—weren’t! Troubling passages include Matthew 7:21-23 and Matthew 25:31-46. I squirm a bit each time I read them.
The first, in Matthew 7, begins with this ominous warning:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
After citing some examples of the false followers, Jesus says,
“…then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
In the second passage, Jesus makes reference to the final judgment and “separating the sheep from the goats.” Sheep he sends to the right (the saved), goats go to the left (the unsaved). The apparent standard for division is how His self-proclaimed “followers” lived out their faith. Those who served others with genuine care and concern get rewarded. Those with only lip service are told this:
“Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Pain beyond comprehension!
These two passages are stark reminders that referring to yourself as a “Christ follower” is serious business. That is why the apostle Paul writes to the Philippians,
“…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12, ESV)
He does NOT say that good works gain you salvation!
So what should our faith in Christ look like? What are “the fruits of an authentic faith?” First is repentance—regretting our past life of sin and calling on God to change our hearts. We discover a desire to know Jesus the Messiah and learn of His ways through Scripture. We see that His love demands that we also must love—first God, then others. As it has been said,
“a changed heart and actions reflect Christ’s character.”
Discouragement can often arise when our self examination finds us falling short. This is the normal path of the Christian life. But as the old Sinatra song says,
“We pick ourselves up and get back in the race.”
Gradually, God develops in us the “fruits of the Spirit”—character changes that align with God’s character. Galatians 5:22-23 reveals these:
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (NLT)
Like many who have wandered and have lived a wayward life apart from God want to know, “Is it too late?” Never. Express your heart to Him. He can guide you from doubt into the life of faith.
With these thoughts in mind, look back on my opening questions.
The history of the Christian faith would tell us of many “evangelists” over the centuries. In our day in this country, Greg Laurie has taken a leading role with his California outreach campaigns at which many thousands commit to follow Jesus each summer. He follows on the amazing life of the late Billy Graham.
Another highly successful ministry reaching 20-25 year olds to connect with Jesus is Groundwire. Their method is to use the internet and social media connections.
Let’s make this effort more personal. Your story is a bridge to help others “find and follow God.” How and why you’ve come to know Jesus is the most authentic witness you have.
Allie Beth Stuckey recently shared the story of a young Bryce Crawford. Raised in a Christian home and sent to a Christian school, he dealt with depression and anxiety for years. His faith was revived while eating at a Waffle House on a Christmas Day. He now loves to share his faith with others.
As he says,
“It’s not my job to save anyone. It’s not your job to save anyone. And so I found listening and being intentional with people is the greatest tool of evangelism…It’s just caring about people.”
How might your story be God’s path to lead someone to trust Christ in 2026?
In Monopoly jargon, their release from the “prison of sin” could be their “get out of hell free” card! See John 3:16.
