123 - Johnny – Unmasking the Easy Believism Lie: Jesus Plus Nothing, Not Even His Own Commands?
“(Regarding my teaching on the importance of obeying Christ’s commands, Johnny writes)
Mike, wow you are an expert in the law. Which covenant are you under? I’d say you have a long road ahead. The New Testament is not the sequel to the old to where Jesus’ teachings become another set of rules. I’m going with Jesus + nothing because Christ in us is the hope of glory. The actual greek and english shows grace abounds. I know what Jesus did. I used to be twice as legalistic as you. I’m a gentile and was never invited to the Law. I’m not going to nullify what Jesus did.”
Unmasking the Easy Believism Lie: Jesus Plus Nothing, Not Even His Own Commands?
Have you ever heard the phrases "Jesus plus nothing" or the “finished work of Jesus” regarding salvation? It sounds appealing, doesn't it? The idea that salvation is simply about believing in Jesus and nothing more. Many, like Johnny in today’s recording, are preaching this as the true Gospel. But is this the Christianity presented by Jesus, the Christ of “Christianity”?
Today's message explores the dangerous deception of easy believism and calls us to examine the true cost of discipleship. James 2:24, pointing to Abraham as our example, states "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." This verse challenges the notion that we can be saved by mere intellectual assent. A true saving faith must be demonstrated through our actions, our obedience to Christ's commands.
Jesus Himself repeatedly emphasized the importance of obedience. In John 14:21, He said, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." In John 15:10, He said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love". Love for Jesus is not a passive feeling, it is an active choice of faith to obey His teachings. This obedience is not a burden, but a joy, a privilege, and a testament to our love for our Savior (1 John 5:4).
Furthermore, Jesus' final command of the Great Commission, reveals the foundation of what it means to be a true “Christian”. Jesus had already said, “it is finished” and He had already been crucified and raised back to life. But then, in Matthew 28:20, regarding making disciples, He instructed the apostles to come to you and I, "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." So, when was this command to obedience nullified? When did it become a heretical “works” based gospel, as so many say it is?
True faith in Christ is not about preaching grace, but doing nothing; it's about actively trusting and obeying Him. Let us not be deceived by the allure of easy believism. Let us embrace the true cost of discipleship, the joy of obedience, and the power of a living faith. Let us examine our lives and ask ourselves: Is our faith alive, bearing fruit, and demonstrating the power of Christ within us?
