View source for Real Christianity: Not Social Circles, But the Cross

''Written on March 25, 2025''

= Real Christianity: Not Social Circles, But the Cross =

== The Cross at the Center ==

Christianity today is often misrepresented as a social identity—something defined by group belonging, church attendance, or being accepted by other Christians. But real Christianity is not about social approval. It is about one thing: '''Jesus Christ and Him crucified'''.

Paul the apostle made this crystal clear:

> '''"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."'''
>
> <br />
> — 1 Corinthians 2:2 (KJV)

This statement sums up real Christianity. It's not about who approves of you or how well you fit in with other believers. It’s not about your reputation among Christians. It’s about '''Christ and His finished work on the cross'''.

== Misuse of Scripture and Group Validation ==

Many people misunderstand verses like Matthew 18:20:

> '''"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."'''
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> <br />
> — Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

This verse is often used to suggest that group presence guarantees Christ's presence. But the '''context''' is about church discipline, not emotional validation or group approval. Christ’s presence and your salvation are not dependent on social dynamics.

Paul also warned clearly against comparing oneself to others:

> '''"But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."'''
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> <br />
> — 2 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)

Yet many today define their spiritual worth based on peer approval. They think, "My Christian friends approve of me, so I must be right with God." That’s dangerous thinking. That’s not salvation—it’s comparison. And comparison is a trap.

== Grace Alone Through Faith ==

Salvation is '''by grace through faith''' in the finished work of Christ:

> '''"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."'''
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> <br />
> — Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

== The Cross as the Divider ==

The real dividing line is the cross:

> '''"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."'''
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> <br />
> — 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV)

Those who are lost see the cross as foolish. They reject the idea that one sacrifice, made over 2,000 years ago, is enough. They want religion, ritual, or group identity. But to the saved, '''the cross is the power of God'''.

Paul preached nothing but Christ crucified because he understood what mattered. He wasn’t building networks. He wasn’t chasing acceptance. He wasn’t playing religious games. He knew that the gospel alone saves.

> '''"How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?"'''
>
> <br />
> — John 5:44 (KJV)

== The True Test ==

Christianity is not about '''who you know''', but '''whether you believe'''. Not about '''group acceptance''', but about '''eternal acceptance by God through faith in His Son'''.

So when people build their spiritual confidence on how many Christian friends they have or how included they are in Christian circles, they are building on sand. Real Christianity is not defined by the presence of other Christians—it is defined by the presence of the crucified and risen Christ in your heart through faith.

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