Trust in Christ, Not in Christians

Trust in Christ, Not in Christians

Trust is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, but where should a believer place their trust? While Christian fellowship can be beneficial, the Bible makes it clear that our trust should be in Christ alone—not in Christians. Relying too much on other believers rather than on Jesus Christ Himself can lead to spiritual harm. This article explores biblical reasons why faith must be rooted in Christ rather than in fallible men.

Christ is Perfect, Christians are Not

The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is without sin and completely trustworthy:

- "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) - "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth." (1 Peter 2:22)

In contrast, even the most faithful Christians are still sinners:

- "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8)

Placing trust in any person rather than in Christ is bound to lead to disappointment.

Trusting in Man Brings a Curse

Jeremiah 17:5-7 warns against trusting in men instead of God:

- "Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

A believer who depends on Christian fellowship instead of seeking Christ directly risks missing out on God’s blessings.

Perilous Times and False Accusers

2 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the perilous times in the last days, listing characteristics of men who are selfish, corrupt, and false accusers:

- "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

This passage does not specify that these people are unbelievers. Many may be professing Christians who appear godly but are inwardly corrupt. This reinforces the need to trust Christ rather than blindly following those who claim His name.

Christians May Lack Wisdom

Luke 16:8 presents a surprising contrast:

- "And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light."

Jesus acknowledges that worldly people often act more shrewdly than believers. This suggests that Christians may not always be the best guides in practical matters, and placing oneself under their authority without discernment can be unwise.

Judgment Begins at the House of God

1 Peter 4:17 declares:

- "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

If God’s judgment starts with believers, it indicates that many Christians and churches may be under divine chastisement. This serves as another warning against blindly placing trust in Christian institutions rather than in Christ.

Prayer is Greater Than Following Christians

The Bible commands believers to pray but does not instruct them to place ultimate trust in other Christians:

- "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

Additionally, God is a jealous God who desires a direct and personal relationship with His people:

- "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14) - "For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." (Deuteronomy 4:24)

Dependence on Christian fellowship at the expense of personal communion with God can weaken one's faith. Instead of leaning on others, a believer should rely on personal prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit:

- "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

Conclusion: Trust Christ, Not Christians

The Bible repeatedly warns against placing trust in man. Christians, no matter how well-intentioned, can fall into error, deceive, or lead others astray. Only Jesus Christ is sinless, perfect, and wholly reliable. Instead of relying on Christian fellowship as the foundation of faith, believers should seek Christ directly through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Trust in Christ—not in Christians.