Before, It Doesn't; After, It Does

I heard a pastor today give an analogy between Christians and pennies. He said a dirty dull penny is a Christian who does not reflect the image of Jesus Christ, and a shiny new penny is a Christian who does reflect His image. However, the pastor said both pennies, whether dull or shiny, are worth the same amount. Therefore, a Christian's value is not in what he/she does. In other words, so what if one is dull and one is shiny. It makes no difference to God.

I couldn't believe my ears! If Christians really believe this way, no wonder many are no different than the world.

The Bible states clearly that just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also is faith without works is dead. And if faith is dead, then Christ is not alive in that person 

"For just as the body without the spirit is dead,

so also faith without works is dead."
James 2:26 (NASB)

Therefore if Christ is not alive in the person, he/she is no different than the demons who believe in God.

"You believe that God is one.

You do well;

the demons also believe,

and shudder."

James 2:19 (NASB)

It takes more than just believing there is a God or saying the sinner's prayer. We must love God with all our hearts, souls and minds, and this love for God will be evident in what we say and do. Before we came to Jesus, it didn't matter to Him what we did, but after we come to Jesus, it does matter to Him what we do.