A copy of a copy. A works-based faith does not attempt to be like Christ, it attempts to appease the Lord, it endeavors to show by the repetition of certain traditions that it is worthy of acceptance by the Most High. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
We are saved by grace through faith, (Eph. 2:8) but there are no rewards in heaven for this salvation, rewards are given to those who obey and do the works. (Matt. 16:27) Yet how many sit in the pews on Sunday morning and then as they head back into the world an hour or so later do no works that show their salvation, (Matt. 7:20) that speak to no one about the love of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, that do not contend for the faith against those that would attempt to lead others down a different path.
I recently had a short conversation with an individual who decided, at least on his part, to end the conversation with. “Well, we will just have to agree to disagree.” Needless to say, when I replied, “I never agree to disagree where the truths of the Word of God are concerned,” he was not pleased. His interpretation of the Scriptures in the particular area that we were discussing was incorrect, but he would not accept reproof and correction, he was no more than a copy of a copy, simply regurgitating what he had heard instead of contemplating the truths offered him from the Scriptures in context.
Those to whom the Lord has shown the truth of His word are not well accepted by those who want to be right.
There is a great burden placed on those to whom the Lord has shown these truths, they cannot be wrong, it is perhaps their greatest fear, for all who have been born-again are to be representatives of God here in this life, and we are accountable to the only One who matters. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28) Copying the works of Christ without the sole intent of glorifying God will quite easily lead a man into a religion that is far from God, works will be done that will be counted as nothing but wood, hay and stubble.
Here is where we find the religious cults and here is where we find those that Matthew 15:8 speaks of, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” I have always shuddered just a little when I see someone who stands behind a pulpit receiving a gift or reward of any type of recognition for his service to Christ. I understand the heart behind those who are attempting to show their appreciation, but I recall Matthew 6:5 each time, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
Are you copying Christ because the Word of God says you are to do so, or are you doing so because you love Him and have a desire to see His name glorified?
“Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12) How many people glorify God because of the fear of what may happen to them if they don’t? How many who lived under the law in the Old Testament obeyed because they had heard and seen what happens when you don’t? How many sit in the pews on Sunday morning because they fear what will happen to them if they do not adhere to Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
I contend that many who claim Jesus Christ as Lord are simply trying to be a copy of a Christian, and not a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Try having a conversation today with someone you know that says they are a Christian about the truths of the Word of God, see how long they will be desirous to continue in that conversation and you will be shown where their heart truly lies. A copy of something is not always that item that it was copied from, there is no reflection of the original in it whatsoever.
