What about all the hypocrites I see who call themselves Christians?
Good question. Let us begin with the obvious. Jesus stated He would forgive all our sins now in this life, not perfect us here. Final perfection will come when we die (or Jesus returns at His predicted Second Coming, whichever comes first).
However, in this life believers are exhorted to, "� not be conformed to the formers lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One Who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior; �" (1 Peter 1:14,15)
Yes, there are hypocrites in the church. However, remember that the church is like a hospital for the spiritually wounded (and we all have the disease of sin). To be honest, one should expect to see less-than-perfect people in the church � the central issue is that they realize their sickness, come to Jesus to forgive them, and begin the work of striving daily with the Spirit�s help to lead to a more holy, non-hypocritical lifestyle.
Furthermore, remember that many people who call themselves Christians are actually not. They are cultural Christians (for example, most people in their culture belong to a certain denomination or church), or pseudo-Christians (they have �prayed a prayer and �accepted� Jesus as their Savior, but have never truly committed themselves to follow and obey Him), or social Christians (people who attend a church because it�s a �good and acceptable thing to do�). Like other so-called religious people, they follow a form of �churchianity� rather than true �Christianity.�
All of these groups (and there are more) show a Christian fa�ade, but are not truly born again by the Spirit of God. In the midst of suffering or persecution, their true colors will show. And Jesus said, "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
The issue is not whether Christians fail ... they will! The issue is that they are forgiven (if they truly are born again) and in the process of becoming holy and righteous � and less hypocritical.
Having said this, the question remains, "What will you do with the perfect, non-hypocritical Son of God?" If you turn from Christ, now knowing what you do, you should ask if you are demonstrating incredible hypocrisy yourself. (1 John. 4:2)
Hypocrisy in Christianity is a bit different that hypocrisy in the world. In the world it is the one who says one thing and does another who is called a hypocrite. The world says the same thing of Christians, using the phrase "They don't practice what they preach". However anyone who has been a real Christian for any length of time knows first hand no matter how we try, we don't always practice what we preach, often we don't live up to our own words. So what is the definition of a Christian Hypocrite? This is my definition : It is a person who believes in the Grace of God and forgiveness, and that's it, since all their sins, past, present and future are forgiven and God loves them unconditionally, they consider obedience optional.
Hypocrisy, a show of fronting, a form of godliness, but denying the power of God. Looks good on the ouside but as Jesus says, they speak great words with their mouths, but thier hearts are far from me.
Sameas those who say they love others, of course, this is behind closed doors, and when they get out in public, its about what love got to do with it!
Yeah, Many say they are so in love with God, yet, they don't attend worship service in obedience, or follow the teahcigns of God... I love God, but they haven't spoken to their parents or family members for over 50 years. God says, how can you say you love God whom you have not seen, yet you hate your brother whom you see everyday? Great question for Christian who think they are not hypocrites.
Lying hypocrites... but there is redemption through Christ, and that takes being truly repenting and being converted from the inside of the heart, to the ouside in humility, that bring goldly action.
