We inhabit a world where deception often seems more attractive than the presentation of truth. Understanding who governs this world is the first step before the purpose of Christianity can be disclosed. For those earnest in their wish to follow Jesus Christ, clarity is crucial. Unfortunately, the subject appears daunting to many, who presume that theological expertise is required for comprehension. However, Jesus was not a theologian, nor were His disciples. Christianity is not complex to grasp. The founding of Christianity is distinctly recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew.
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20 NKJV).
The final segment depicts Jesus as not seeking public recognition as the Messiah. There is a particular reason for this. However, before we explore the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of this revelation, it is essential to define the term “Church.” Derived from the Greek word ‘Ecclesia,’ “Church” refers to those who are called out, just as the disciples were distinguished from the rest of humanity. Jesus did not call everyone to follow Him, though many did so spontaneously during His ministry. Yet, He consistently stressed that those wishing to follow Him must be prepared to give up everything, signifying that discipleship involves self-denial. The peculiarity of the disciples was in leaving everything behind to follow Him.
The term “Christianity” was coined after Jesus’ departure, intended to denote the distinctiveness associated with his early followers. Initially used in Antioch (Acts 11:26), this label, likely not meant as a compliment, distinguished them. Initially, Christianity existed within Judaism, leading to its early adherents’ persecution. Jesus taught consistently in Jewish synagogues until his crucifixion. He did not direct his disciples to establish separate religious structures but rather to carry on his work within the Jewish community.
Jesus is recognized as the sole leader of God’s Church. He appoints each member to their respective roles, following His own will, as intended by the Father. Upon baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, individuals are called to heed the Spirit, who empowers each one as per God’s directive. As every member operates by the Spirit’s power, there is no disarray. Those outside this divine circle are not to meddle as though they are part of the communion between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The central assertion is that Christianity is not to be considered ordinary in any aspect of this world. Those who are called are a distinct group, never to be perceived as common, akin to the uniqueness of Jesus. This was demonstrated by Jesus when He spoke about John the Baptist, depicting him as the greatest among all the prophets who came before. He suggested that any of His followers would be deemed greater. In doing so, He indicated that Christians would surpass all the ancient Prophets, including John the Baptist.
“But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’ Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:8-11 NKJV).
Jesus, although also born of a woman, was greater than Elijah. This greatness extends to all who become Christians. Jesus portrayed these individuals as His brothers, indicating they would be considered at His level. Such a notion would not have been held by ordinary people. On Judgment Day, Christians will stand with Jesus, whose status will serve as the measure for those deemed worthy or unworthy in God’s Kingdom. The reactions of the righteous, similar to those of the unrighteous towards Jesus, suggest that the common people might have been oblivious to Jesus’ brothers’ standing.
“‘When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:38-40 NKJV).
The brothers of Jesus are not depicted among the respected clergy of today, nor among those commonly identified as Christians. If they were, the astonishment shown by the righteous in the aforementioned Scripture would be unjustified. Similarly to Jesus, who was not recognized by worldly standards, His brothers may be treated in the same manner. The brothers of Jesus do not receive any honour in this world, just as Jesus himself was not honoured but rather despised.
While the term “Christian” is widely embraced today, it was originally meant as a derogatory label. Adhering strictly to the teachings of Jesus is unlikely to result in kind treatment in this world. Any honour received might suggest a failure to truly represent Jesus. The concept of “Christianity” has been co-opted by the ruler of this world, repurposed to gain acceptance and respectability among worldly individuals. This world is not under God’s authority.
“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:3-5 NKJV).
Individuals claiming to represent Christianity should only be acknowledged if they demonstrate servitude. Pride can blind humanity, especially when it cultivates a feeling of superiority over others. Without recognizing the deceptions of the world, many may fall prey to manipulation by the god of this age. Such deception can cause one to fervently defend the indefensible, believing they are maintaining the truth. Likewise, ignorance is often exposed by excessive emotional responses. Speaking truth often leads to scorn and rejection in this world.
Jesus is considered the foremost among God’s children. The aim of Christianity was not solely to invite everyone to Jesus. Instead, Christians were enlisted to spread the good news of the forthcoming Kingdom, as announced by Jesus. He emphasized that His Kingdom was not earthly. The declaration of the Good News was intended to make people conscious of His Kingdom, which is foreseen to be established during the millennium (Revelation 20:3-7).
While on earth, Jesus refrained from publicly proclaiming Himself as the Messiah to preserve the prevailing peace. A premature declaration could have prompted hasty commitments to His cause. Embracing Christianity without due preparation is a profound error. This underlines Jesus’ teaching that only those whom the Father draws can come to Him, as mentioned in John 6:44. Christianity involves a calling out of this world, akin to the summoning of the twelve disciples. Those who are called are being prepared for the forthcoming Kingdom.
It is incorrect to assume that those who avoid Christianity, today, are condemned to Hellfire. The millennium was intended to offer all of humanity the opportunity to embrace God’s grace. Only those who reject this grace would be at risk of the burning fiery furnace. Similarly, Christians who take their privilege for granted are at risk as well. Jesus compared such individuals to salt that has lost its flavour, becoming useless (Luke 14:35). It is believed that those who have committed blasphemy against the Holy Spirit cannot be granted a second chance.
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27 NKJV).
What prevails on Earth, under Satan’s authority, is permitted by God. It stems from a self-centred philosophy, in contrast to an altruistic one. This concept is reflected in the Fourth Commandment, which directed the Israelites to keep the Sabbath holy. (However, this is not an endorsement of Sabbath observance per se). The Commandment was specific to the Israelites, delineating God’s salvation plan. The Sabbath Commandment served as a precursor to six thousand years of human endeavours without divine intervention, highlighting the six days designated for the Israelites’ own labour.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11 NKJV).
Before the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were not on par with Jesus. However, their standing was elevated to match that of Jesus prior to His crucifixion. This implies that true Christians are akin to Jesus before His crucifixion and resurrection. Although they are portrayed as greater than John the Baptist, Christians should not anticipate favourable treatment from the secular world. Jesus explicitly cautioned them to prepare for harsh treatment, potentially more severe than what He endured.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause’” (John 15:18-25 NKJV).
In the previous discussion, we addressed the necessity of change, highlighting the readiness to face challenges that cause discomfort. Without the willingness to endure pain or death, one cannot be considered a Christian. A Christian is akin to a soldier entering battle, conscious of the potential sacrifice for a greater cause. Such a soldier is prepared and committed to lay down their life for their country’s freedom. Similarly, a Christian, recognizing the significance of their vocation, concentrates on the sacrifices that lie ahead.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this, we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:12-19 NKJV).
Those who may be disturbed by the contents of this submission are understood. It should be recognized that no one will come to impose their will upon them, except to honour their decision to accept or reject the projections. The author is a regular individual whose ideas can either be accepted or disregarded at one’s discretion. At this stage, no one except God Himself can be certain of whom He is calling. The Scriptures affirm the claim that Christianity is represented among a few, selected for positions of authority when Jesus comes.
According to Biblical evidence, the author has confidently suggested that God is not calling everyone at this stage. Instead, He is selecting a few, preparing them for His imminent Kingdom. These individuals are destined to assume positions of authority under the reign of Jesus Christ. Those who are called are urged to comprehend the significance of this calling, which demands forsaking all to follow Christ. Although Christ is not physically visible, He is as present now as He was in the first century. The world cannot see Him, just as it could not then.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying 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.
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