6 Misconceptions about the God of Christianity

It’s come up time after time that in most places I go to meet people I often strike up a conversation about religion. Most people who have come in contact with Christianity have come out of it more afraid than happy. Most people think of Christianity as a fear tactic to scare people away from hell. However, here are 6 misconceptions about the God of Christianity that are very common but wrong.

Are you spiritually convinced or unconvinced?

1. God Condemns People The church condemns people, people condemn each other and themselves. However, God is love and God encourages people to do better rather than burden them with guilt. The Holy Spirit is the only person that should convict the individuals conscience of error and lead them to truth. We should not judge others or criticize them. Instead we should understand each other, our own faults, and understand what we need to do to become better people.

• Spiritually Convinced? Do you really believe that Jesus does not condemn you but that He zealously desires you move away from doubt and sin and toward sanctification through faith in Him?
• Spiritually Unconvinced? Where are you looking to find forgiveness, freedom from shame and guilt? Have you tried looking into the God of Christianity and even God’s Son Jesus Christ for grace and love? Jesus does love you. That love is free from any kind of performance-driven or legalistic love. His live for you is unconditional. Consider committing your life to Christ.

1. God Wants You To Go To Hell God does not send anyone to Hell. We send ourselves to hell by intentionally living in fear instead of belief and hope. No one should live in the fear of going to hell. Many churches scare people into thinking that if they do something wrong they are immediately going to hell. God will never scare you from hell. Instead, God brings grace, peace, joy to lead you to something better. It’s not scaring people from sinning but rather offering them something better that will lead people to heaven. In heaven, people will be with the Father. To be with the Father means enjoying God’s benefits and free gifts that will lead us away from sin because of God’s love not fear.

• Spiritually Unconvinced? You’ve heard that Hell is where people go when they are bad. However, have you let your own feelings cause you to doubt that you are not good enough for God to save you? Well, perhaps you are struggling with issues about your or someone else’s eternal destiny.

2. You Must Be Perfect No one is perfect. God receives people as they are and accepts them. Once you receive Jesus Christ and have the Holy Spirit within you, you are a child of God. Faith in Christ makes you acceptable to God, not your own failures. God sees beyond our weaknesses and still loves His children. When we live in God’s free grace, we are who we are and are accepted by God. This is freeing.
   • Spiritually Convinced? Are you daily walking in Christ’s goodness or your own? Do you see that Jesus Christ’s righteousness is sufficient for you today? Have faith in God and look towards Christ for fulfillment.
   • Spiritually Unconvinced? Are you trying to be good enough, follow the rules, be legalistic? Have you tried looking at the life of Jesus Christ and comparing it to your life? Did you know that God gives righteousness freely to those who believe that the righteous and perfect life of Jesus Christ is good enough to get into heaven? It’s true. Don’t be burdened and let down by attempting to be good enough yourself, believe that Jesus Christ can save you alone.
3. All Christians are Hypocrites
   
   The human experience is full of suffering, failures, weaknesses and short-comings. For anyone to admit that they are not a hypocrite is to be a hypocrite because they are only fooling themselves. We must all come clean about our life and not hide our failures but be honest about them. Being honest about our weaknesses to other and God makes us better people.

• Spiritually Convinced? Forgive others of their offenses and ask for forgiveness of others when they offend you.
• Spiritually Unconvinced? Are you turned away from faith in Christ because you’ve been hurt or misled by believers? Have you been offended? I encourage you to look only at Jesus Christ and His words and His claims. Jesus Christ was perfect. Also, be aware that you too may offended others. What about asking God for forgiveness and healing and forgiving others of their faults?

1. I’ll Go To Hell Because I’m a Sinner We are all sinners, even children of God sin. God looks at the heart of the matter. However, if you have believed in Jesus Christ and have the Holy Spirit then you are a child of God. It only takes faith in God’s plan for you. His Holy Spirit alone can save you.
2. Christians are judgmental towards “different people” It’s very unfortunate that most people will never trust in God’s love and His Son Jesus Christ because they have seen how judgmental and un-welcoming Christians can be to some group of people. However Jesus Himself never judged and criticized ordinary people who have had serious problems in their lives. He loved them, healed them, and welcomed them to being a relationship with Him.

So, let me know if this was helpful for you. If you have any more questions, feel free to email me at stuart@jesusalmightygod.com