Many who are politically conservative are liberal when it comes to religion, and they don’t even realize it.
Just because a man “identifies” as a woman, that does not make him a woman.
Just because a man identifies as a turtle, that does not make him a turtle,
and just because a man identifies as a Christian, that does not make him a Christian!
Facts matter – especially God’s requirements to become faithful and remain faithful.
Simply believing that Jesus is the Son of God does not make someone a Christian (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46; Jn. 12:42, 43; Jam. 1:21-27; 2:10, 14-26).
“Asking Jesus to come into your heart” does not make someone a Christian (Prov. 28:9; Isa. 59:1, 2; John 9:31; 16:23; 1 Pet. 3:12, 20, 21).
Just because someone has been “baptized,” that does not mean he did it the way God said, or for the reasons God said (Acts 2:38; 8:35-39; 19:1-5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:11-13; 1 Pet. 3:20, 21). The Ephesians had already been baptized once, but they had been taught incorrectly, so they had to be immersed again (Acts 19:1-5).
To become saved and remain saved, one must:
– Hear God’s Word, not man-made plans of salvation (Rom. 10:17).
– Believe Jesus is the sinless, resurrected Son of God (Jn. 8:24; 1 Cor. 15:1-4).
– Change his mind about living in sin and decide to fully dedicate his life to God (repent) (Lk. 9:23; 14:33; Acts 2:38; 17:30).
– Confess faith in Jesus before men (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9, 10).
– Be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the purpose of becoming forgiven, saved, added to Christ’s one true church (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:36-41, 47; 22:16; Gal. 3:27; Col. 1:18; 2:11-13; 1 Pet. 3:20, 21).
– After baptism, obey God’s New Testament commands, walking in the light. If a sin is committed, confess it in penitent prayer to the Father in the name of Jesus (Matt. 7:21-23; Jn. 16:23; Acts 8:12-24; 1 Jn. 1:6-2:6; 5:3; Heb. 5:9).
Being faithful involves such things as faithfully assembling when the local church assembles (Heb. 10:23-31), worshiping God exactly the way He specified (Jn. 4:23, 24), putting God first before family or anything else (Matt. 10:34-39; 22:36-40), studying God’s Word (2 Tim. 2:15-18), helping those in need (Gal. 6:10), living a holy life (Rom. 12:1, 2; Gal. 5:19-23; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16), and teaching others how to get to Heaven (Matt. 28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:2).