Can one be a Christian by growing up in a Christian home?

There are a few biblical principles that define one as being a Christian and sadly growing up in a Christian home is not one of them.

God’s main concern is your heart aligning with him. In contrast, we think the appearance of righteous living appeases him. Jesus corrects this age-old common deception in Matthew 7. He exposes where people’s agendas lie despite their outer works in verse 22 saying

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?

Similarly, you could believe your works are sufficient to earn you salvation. Furthermore, you may think your Christian lineage is enough to grant you Salvation which likely propagates self-righteousness. A Christian is saved:

• by grace alone and
• through faith alone [Ephesians 2:8-9]
• through Christ alone [Romans 5:1-2]
• through the scriptures alone [Matthew 4:4]
• to the glory of God alone [Romans 4:22-24]

You can be raised with Christian beliefs and not be a believer. Focus on the Family describes “The term “Christian,” as we understand it, refers to anyone, man, woman, or child, who trusts in Jesus Christ as his or her Savior and Lord and who strives to follow Him in every area of life.“

Having a personal relationship with God

Ultimately, you need to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. You are to make the confession of your faith clear [John 10:9]. It’s one thing to know Jesus is the Saviour. Moreover, it’s another thing to be known by Jesus and to have an intimate walk with him. You need to have your own revelation in the true faith. It takes work. If you acknowledge your relationship with the Lord is stale or non-existent, these are simple yet powerful points/confessions you can add in prayer:

• Your need to know the Lord as your God
• Your need to realise that you are a sinner and that you need Jesus as your Saviour
• Confess that Jesus is the Saviour
• Ask the Lord to help you accept Jesus as your Saviour

Although Christian parents are to raise children in a goldy way at home, the responsibility to grow closer to God belongs to the child. Granted this can depend on a child’s age and understanding, but the onus remains on the child. It is a private relationship that influences righteous living. Ergo, they are to disciple children in the scriptures while trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty to save who he saves. It may be concerning to think being brought up as a believer does not mean you are one. However, this should encourage you to foster your connection with him.

Coming to complete repentance

Each of us is appointed a day when we will depart from earth. You are going to give an account before your Maker for the life you lead on Earth. You will be held accountable for all your actions. It is a matter of coming to complete repentance by not only turning away from sin but also turning away from dead works. Dead works being your reliance on your upbringing or lifestyle as the boasting confidence of your faith.

Listen to the podcast below with Wynand and Pastor Rocky as they address more questions about this question.

For more inspiration, read our daily devotional, The Word for Today, or listen to our podcasts on iono.fm.

The views expressed herein are that of the presenters and not Radio Pulpit.