The assurance of truth is rooted in its origin—God Himself. Jesus came to guide humanity out of a state of spiritual wandering, leading people back to God’s embrace. He embodies the true origin of divine truth and serves as the bridge between humanity and God. Misunderstanding His mission leads to confusion. This is why some people who pursue Christianity are known to end up feeling more detached rather than connected.
Before exploring Jesus as the ultimate messenger of truth, one must first assess one’s own level of understanding. Without this self-awareness, a person may falsely believe they have a true connection with God when, in reality, they remain distant. Someone lost in a jungle cannot find their way out without first knowing their location in the maze.
Three Modern Manifestations of Christianity
Today, Christianity often appears in three primary forms, each reflecting different motivations and levels of spiritual maturity:
- Attraction to Jesus as a Miracle Worker
Many are drawn to Jesus primarily because of His miraculous works—healing the sick, feeding multitudes, and performing supernatural signs. This phenomenon persists today as people seek divine intervention for physical or financial breakthroughs.
- Biblical Example: In John 6:26, Jesus rebuked the crowds, saying, “You seek me not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.”
- Modern Example: Some believers attend church only when facing crises—praying for healing, jobs, or miracles—but show little interest in discipleship or spiritual growth.
While miracles still happen, Jesus cautioned against making them the foundation of faith (Luke 14:25-34). To please God, one must first deny oneself and acknowledge that our physical nature reflects our sinfulness. True discipleship requires more than seeking temporary relief—it demands a lifelong commitment to following Him.
- Adherence to Moral Law (Modern-Day Pharisees)
This group emphasizes strict moral obedience as the standard, much like the Pharisees of Jesus’ time. They believe righteousness comes from following religious rules rather than through a relationship with Christ when applying His teachings.
- Biblical Example: Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their legalism, saying, “You clean the outside of the cup, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39).
- Modern Example: Some Christians focus on external behaviors (e.g., dress codes, Sabbath observance) while neglecting love, mercy, and humility (Matthew 23:23).
The Old Testament law was fulfilled in Christ (Romans 10:4). While moral living is important, salvation comes through grace, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Prophetic Fulfillment Observers
This group is fixated on interpreting world events as signs of Christ’s imminent return. While prophecy is biblical, an overemphasis on end-times speculation can distract from the core mission of spreading the Gospel, commissioned by Christ.
- Biblical Example: The disciples asked Jesus about the timing of His return, but He redirected them: “It is not for you to know times or seasons… but you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:7-8). Witnessing for Christ is advancing what He taught and applying it, as recorded in the four gospel Books
- Modern Example: Some believers spend more time debating rapture theories than serving the poor or sharing the gospel, according to His instructions.
Prophecy should inspire readiness, not fear-mongering or neglect of present discipleship, which aims to transform people’s lives for Christ. The significance of prophecy cannot compare to the application of everything taught by Jesus. Nevertheless, having received the Holy Spirit, prophecy should no longer be fascinating, as both the Father and Jesus would reside within that person.
The Essence of True Christianity
Authentic faith begins with recognizing one’s identity as a child of God (John 1:12). Discovering one’s identity is what leads to induction into God’s Church (Matthew 16:18). This realization often comes with an awareness of separation from God and the need for Jesus as Savior.
- Key Moment: Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This rebirth is spiritual, not physical.
- Modern Application: Many believers struggle with assurance because they rely on feelings rather than God’s promise (1 John 5:13).
After this awakening, a believer should commit to obeying Christ’s teachings before baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). Baptism marks entry into God’s family, but it also invites persecution (John 15:18-20). The physical body detests persecution, but persecution fortifies spirituality.
Five Marks of God’s Children
True followers of Christ exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart from the world:
- Humility, but Maintaining Truth Without Compromise
- They stand firm on God’s truth while treating others with grace.
- Example: Daniel respectfully refused to eat the king’s food but served with excellence (Daniel 1:8-20).
- No Partiality, based on physical considerations (Galatians 3:26-28)
- They reject societal hierarchies, seeing all people as equal in Christ— as spiritual conditions have no consideration of traditional structures and background.
- Example: Paul rebuked Peter for favoring Jewish believers over Gentiles (Galatians 2:11-14).
- Fearless Truth-Seekers
- They test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and boldly confront injustice.
- Example: Nathan confronted King David over his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-13).
- Quick to Forgive
- They release bitterness, even toward violent persecutors.
- Example: Stephen prayed for his killers (Acts 7:60).
- Transparent in Repentance
- They admit faults without shame, trusting God’s grace.
- Example: Peter, after denying Christ, was restored and became a pillar of the church (John 21:15-19).
Conclusion: Living as God’s Children
True believers see every person as a potential child of God. They serve selflessly, correct sin with love, and refuse to condemn others—just as Jesus did (John 8:10-11). The greatest desire of a Christian is not earthly comfort but eternal fellowship with God.
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)
The Assurance of Truth: Understanding the True Mission of Jesus
Application:
- Self-check: Ask yourself, “Do I treat Jesus as a divine concierge (for miracles) or as my Lord, whom I seek to emulate at all times?”
- Action step: Journal areas where you’ve sought God primarily for blessings rather than His presence. Reprioritize through daily Scripture reading (e.g., John 6:26-27). A Christian is not described as enjoying the pleasures of this world, but by suffering for righteousness, similarly to Jesus’ suffering.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, which lays down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions–leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope in a simple conversational tone.