Why Christianity Isn’t Everyone’s Path: A Faith That Challenges, Divides, and Transforms
A look at Christianity and how it might not be for everyone.
As someone who has walked the path of faith, I've come to understand that the most valuable gift I can offer is not the certainty of Salvation but the empowerment to question and seek truth on your own terms.
"Enter by the narrow gate. The gate is vast, and the way is easy, which leads to destruction, and there are many who enter by it."
Or, another way of looking at it:
"Choose the narrow gate. The wide gate may seem inviting, and the path easy, but it ultimately leads to destruction, and countless people follow it."
Matthew 7:13
"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Or, another way of looking at it:
"Countless are invited, yet only a select few truly rise to the occasion."
Matthew 22:14
Below is a sample of the prayer of Salvation that congregations pray to lead someone to Christ.
Holy Father,
I come before you, admitting that I am a sinner.
I do a lot that is wrong or evil.
I cannot do anything good in my own power.
I need your love and forgiveness.
Lord, I am sorry for all the sins I have committed in my life and that I know I will commit in the future.
I want to live for You, doing what is right and pleasing.
I need a Savior because I can never pay the debt that my sin has incurred.
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross and shedding your blood to pay the price for my sin.
I accept that You did this for me and ask that You extend Your eternal grace to me.
Lord, please transform my heart and life in Your image, write my name in the Lamb's Book of Life, and seal me with the Holy Spirit.
I praise You for Your love, righteousness, and infinite mercy.
Thank you for saving my soul.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior,
Amen.
They say if you pray this prayer with sincerity in your heart, then God gives you Salvation.
Often, Romans 10:9-10 justifies this practice of this prayer and solidifies this path to Salvation.
However, people often say this prayer over and over again because they do not feel that the confession they made the first time was congruent with their conviction.
The prayer of Salvation is based on Biblical principles, yet no Scripture justifies the practice.
Romans 10:13 states, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Here's my conviction and where I am at.
Deeds, not words, represent my life.
My actions led me to a conviction about which step I should take on this path of Salvation.
I have observed in my life and my personal life that Christianity is not for everyone.
I understand that not everyone feels called to follow this path, and I want to be clear that I'm not trying to impose my beliefs.
Each person's journey is unique, and it's essential to respect and include the diverse perspectives that others hold in life.
I embrace Jesus as my guiding path while also honoring the diverse perspectives that others hold in life.
I have firmly embraced the idea that I would stand unwaveringly and sacrifice my life for my faith in Jesus if it ever came to it.
My convictions are deeply rooted, and I hold them with unwavering belief.
I cannot, in good conscience, tell you that you should walk this path and that if you don't, you will be tormented to Hell for eternity. I respect your journey and your choices.
If I'm honest, I'm still wrestling with the concept of Hell, as it seems to have been used as a tool for fear and manipulation to control the masses.
I believe that God, in His love and mercy, will guide you to Him and find you.
How?
Well, for one, you're reading this post.
You're reading words from someone who does believe and grapples with their convictions.
More than that, it's by observing the love of those on Jesus's path.
The way I grew up was hypersensitive and hyperemotional.
There was a heavy emphasis on listening to your spirit or the Holy Spirit to guide you through the spiritual warfare you embark on daily.
If you knew me as a teenager, you would have observed a charismatic, "on-fire," and passionate "Christian."\
It was pure emotion, and I had no sound knowledge of theology regarding what I believed.
There was no examination and reason for my life; instead, there was pure passion.
I felt like a puppet being pulled by the strings of others in the leadership program I participated in.
Having a biological disorder didn't help my emphasis on the charismatic Christianity I grew up in.
When I was manic or went into psychosis, I often would hear from God or the Devil.
I would make prophecies that weren't based on reality and use my gifts to show how good of a person I was.
Reflecting on the past, I realized it wasn't reasonable, and I needed to experience it to achieve a better sense of balance within myself.
I have empathy for both sides of the spectrum of emotions.
I wish I could be more passionate and lively; for whatever reason, it seems untappable.
It may be due to the trauma I endured over the years because of my chronic illness, or it may be due to the medication stabilizing my mood and psychosis.
However, I am hopeful that I'll experience those strong emotions again, like I did in my youth.
In conclusion, I write today to share that if you're not a Christian, that's okay.
I hope you become one because of the benefits; however, Christianity might not be for you.
I can't control your Salvation, and I hope he will find you one day.
Your friend,
Barnaby