Eu Sou Mesmo Um Cristão?

by Mike McKinley

Você é realmente um cristão? Você pode pensar que é um cristão, mas talvez não seja. O próprio Senhor Jesus disse que algumas pessoas fariam algumas coisas aparentemente `cristãs` em nome dEle, mas não o conheceriam verdadeiramente. Ou talvez voce saiba que não é um cristão e se pergunte o que significa realmente ser um cristão. Certamente, há clareza na perspectiva de Deus. Ele não se confunde quanto a quem o conhece ou a quem não o conhece. Embora a nossa autoconsciência seja limitada, temos critérios bíblicos para ajudar-nos a avaliar se somos realmente seguidores de Cristo.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Evangelism, Christianity, Discipleship, Spirituality

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2011

About the author

Mike McKinley is the author of Passion, Did the devil make me do it? and Church Planting is for Wimps. Since 2005 he has been pastor of Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia. Before that, he served on the pastoral staff of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, having received his MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Mike is married to Karen, and they have five children.

Reviews

[McKayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could be helpful for people who have grown up in the church but might not have a clear memory or understanding of their conversion! Would recommend reading it in community.

Per most 9marks books, this one is pretty straightforward and isn’t the most….sensitive per se? So, it could step on some toes when confronting some situations. It doesn’t make it a bad book, I would just recommend that the utilization of this resource be paired with immense love, sensitivity, and grace.


As my pastor here said “it’s loving to help people know that they’re saved. It’s important to approach this topic & ask people to not get offended when we bring conversations about each others salvation (& potentially lack of) into the light.”

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get a stash to give away.

[Kimberly Bower MLIS (gladeslibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't want to be a Christian this book is not for you. Put it down. If you believe you are a Christian and are satisfied with your grasp of the doctrine of salvation, the role of faith in salvation, personal assurance of salvation and the manner in which your life lines up with your belief system, this book has nothing to offer you. Walk away. There is danger, however, in thinking you are past the point of need for self-examination or for peer-accountability regarding the direction of your life. Since your eternal destination hangs in the balance, the subject matter should be worth your consideration. With these statements Mike McKinley, the pastor of a Baptist congregation, pinpoints the intended audience of "Am I really a Christian: the most important question you're not asking" (Crossway, 2011).

Christian jargon can bring more confusion than clarity. McKinley's perspective of "born again" is one of regeneration. The regenerating love and mercy of God is the cause of salvation while the fruit of the believer's life is the result or effect of salvation. Being a "Christian" goes beyond respect for Jesus to belief and faith in him.

"Am I really a Christian?" is scripture rich. McKinley relies heavily on passages of scripture and points readers to them by providing direct quotations within the text. Like John Piper's Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Crossway, 2010), McKinley compels readers to look past feelings and common Christian expressions to contemplate questions like the following: What do I believe? Do I agree? Does scripture bear out his arguments? How should I respond in light of these truths?

McKinley's message is to the church. He speaks as a fellow sojourner wanting to guide, encourage and strengthen the faith of believers. He takes care to reassure Christians with sensitive consciences. His pastoral gifting rings true. The author continually brings to the forefront the need for believers to be surrounded by brothers and sisters that can be trusted to come alongside to encourage and guide them as they walk out their faith. As the body of Christ, the goal should be self-evaluation in consultation with trusted mentors in order to seek and find evidence that the cause of our salvation (God's regenerating love and mercy) has taken root and our lives are beginning to reveal the fruit (effect) of that salvation. To aid in this process, McKinley recommends the formation of year-long one-on-one mentoring relationships.

The format for each chapter is text followed by a How to Respond section containing four points: reflect, repent, remember, and report. The book contains three appendices: Notes, containing sources for in-text references divided by chapter; Subject Index and Scripture Index.

"Am I Really a Christian?" can be useful to individuals apart from a group environment. Its best and most complete use will come in the form of small groups of believers within the body of a local congregation. If you are willing to put quality time into self-evaluation in consultation with trusted friends at your local congregation, "Am I Really a Christian?" is worth your time and attention.

NOTE: I requested and received a copy of this title via NetGalley.com but made no commitment to review it.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Convicting. Encouraging. Challenging.

I always approach books on this topic with a bit of anxiety - wondering if I will walk away with more questions than when I begun. However, this book ranks first in the several I have read on this topic because it not only answered all my questions, but did so with great clarity. McKinley does not beat around the bush and present pages of lengthy explanation, rather he takes you back to Scripture for the answers. This book is a 140 page handbook for those who are willing to ask themselves the hard question of: "Am I really a Christian?".

Despite the sober subject and deep content, Mike helps ease the tension with his sprinkling of humor throughout the book. At first this may seem out of place, but as you read you feel as if you are having a personal conversation with a trusted mentor. He also provides great word pictures that take some difficult concepts and make them so much easier to understand. The book is also hands-on and interactive due to the "How To Respond" section at the end of each chapter. It is a good blend of book and Bible study combined into one cover and is suitable for individual or group use as well as appropriate for both teens and adults.

I was convicted and encouraged by this book. It helped me see some weak areas of my life and direct me to passages in the Bible that helped me determine my answer to the question: Am I Really a Christian? Whether you can answer that question without thinking about it or not, I highly recommend this book. Anyone who reads it will walk away benefiting from it...it's just that they may not benefit from it as they first expected. It's short, it's easy to read, founded on the Bible, and Christ centered. It is a great stand-alone read or a fabulous follow-up read to Because He Loves my, or Living the Cross Centered Life, or books of like kind.

Am I Really a Christian? is more than what meets the eye at first glance. This is a "really should read" book that packs quite a punch.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Wheaton IL¬—Some stats indicate that nearly 80% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. Mike McKinley has noticed a concerning trend: There are far too many people who think that they are Christians, but aren’t actually in Christ. He likens it to people who claim to be “huge Yankees fans” but don’t watch games, don’t know the lineup, or the stats, and only ride the team’s glory around playoff time for the exciting World Series victory.
In Am I Really a Christian?, McKinley argues that there is much at stake in the decision to follow Christ, and it is crucial to know where you stand and what it means for your life.
McKinley writes with a genuine love and concern for those in the church. He asks tough questions in order to plead with readers who may not be running the race marked out in God’s Word to change course. Emphasizing the importance that Jesus and Paul placed on this issue, McKinley guides readers through Scripture to show what the Bible says about genuine faith.

* * * * *

The review copies were courtesy of Crossway and Amazon.com. The opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Reena Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expect my full review August 22, 2011 on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://wp.me/pPz8s-1C7

One thing I want to emphasize is this book is not aimed at non-Christians. It’s not meant to convert the non-believer or convince the non-believer that Christianity is the only way. Instead, it focuses on individuals who claim to be Christian and helps those individuals examine their lives, so they don’t miss the boat.

Much of what Mr. McKinley said, I knew to be true. It’s clearly laid out in the bible. I don’t know who has a ticket and who doesn’t, but I do know the bible says something to the effect of the gate is small and the road is narrow and few will find it. So logically, it makes sense to me that not everyone who boasts to be a Christian is going to find the path. Especially when considering upwards of 60,70, 80% of Americans believe they’re Christians. Who knows the figures in other countries. Few doesn’t equal the majority.

So the question is: if one truly believes the information in the bible, wouldn’t he/she want to be sure to be on the right track rather than one of the many who think they’re walking down the right path, only to find too late they’re on the broad road? Am I Really a Christian? is like stopping and asking for directions. In the end, some might receive a wake up call, but also might find hope and an opportunity to step on the road they’d meant to travel.

I loved that this book doesn’t focus on hells fire and damnation. It doesn’t try to scare folks into becoming a Christian or scare people who claim to be a Christian into behaving right. Instead, it identifies markers which might suggest one is or isn’t a Christian. Not by way of finger pointing, which can be so easy (That person’s not a Christian. That person isn’t. That person is.) No. None of that. It isn’t about whether others want to classify a person as a goat or a sheep. Rather it helps a person examine his/her walk with the help of those in the Christian community.

Even though this is a work tailored toward those who believe they’re Christian, I still think it’s a great read for non-Christians. Why? Because I believe the worldview on Christianity is tainted by those who profess to be Christian but act in non-Christian ways in the name of Christianity. Am I Really a Christian? is truly insightful.

I received this work from the publisher in exchange for a review

[Inga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grāmata NAV slikta, bet tā burtiski atkārto visu, ko savā draudzē esam mācījušies pēdējos 4 gadus.
Turklāt tā pat nav sarakstīta tā, ka viss vecais izgaismojas jaunās krāsās, bet... nu atkārtojam visas lietas, kas jau ir labi zināmas.
Īsti neiesaku nevienam - ne tiem, kuri sevi sauc par kristiešiem, ne tiem, kuri nav pārliecināti un vēlas noskaidrot, vai tad ir vai nav.

[Jonathan Klimek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource to work through with new believers and those struggling with assurance. It has been a blessing for our Foundation's Ministry.

[Livia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mtooooo essencial para cristãos

[Danielle Williamson]

A good recap

[Lowlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's quite challenging but its a good way to make sure where or not you are truly saved....apart from the Bible which should be the first highest authority in determining and making your calling and election sure

[Alissagraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earlier this summer I was in a mall in Worcester, Massachusetts when I saw a shocking advertisement from a health care facility. It said “Pride kills thousands of men each year.”

I can attest to that statement. At my dad’s funeral, someone came up to me and told me that my dad might have been suffering from a risky medical condition but that he did not want to get treated or tell anyone of the situation. It was due to pride. He ended up dying alone, separated from his family and any friends he might have still had.

Those stories told simply to say that we need to humble ourselves and seek truth and help.


“Am I Really a Christian” by Mike McKinley is a book that encourages Christians and those that want to be Christians to humbly “go to the doctor’s appointment,” and take any measures necessary for spiritual heath.

Author Mike McKinley does a great job of examining scripture to look for solid truths on what it means to be a Christian and then teaching us to look for evidences of God’s mighty saving work in our lives.

While some could take this book as provocative, it asks an eternally important question in a simple, gospel driven, and straight forward way. Jesus himself says there are many who will get to the end and expect to walk through the pearly gates, only to hear, “I never even knew you,” from God himself. (Matthew 25). The purpose of the book is to explore such things deeply, before it is too late.


The book is laid out in nine chapters, each addressing what it means and does not mean to be a Christian. Each chapter goes to scripture to discuss what it clearly says in regards to being born again. At the end of each chapter there is a response section in which the author thoughtfully calls us to reflect, repent, remember, and report through different questions and scripture references.

McKinley does a great job at addressing how self deceived and comically limited our own self awareness is by showing us that being a Christian doesn’t mean checking a box once, or just claiming that we are. It requires a change of heart, a change of team.

McKinley takes on popular misconceptions of what a Christian is. He goes head on against the idea that you are a Christian simply because you love Jesus. He also challenges our hearts by showing us that we are not Christians if we continually abide in sin, deliberately keep in it, and happily make it a practice. I appreciated the chapters on loving others and not loving our stuff. He again, goes to scripture to show us that being a Christian means we will have a heart that loves others, dying to ourselves, and putting our hope in Christ instead of worldly goods.

I really appreciated how it also talks about the goodness of God. God delights to save his people and he is not some swindler trying to trick us into losing the race. Graciously God has given us some guidance on who belongs to himself. “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). Essentially, we need to prayerfully take heed to Jesus’ warnings and cling to his promises.

The book repeats the gospel often, and helps us to see that “human beings are not spiritually wounded, we are spiritually dead.” Many people who claim to be Christians are just working on fixing themselves up, but “self improvement is not the solution to these kinds of problems. A radical overhaul is.” Chapter two dives in to what it looks like to be born again and what it means to essentially have a total alteration of your cosmic allegiances. He tackles the question “how can you tell that you are born again,” and shows us five basic things that all Christians have. (Belief in true doctrine, hatred for sin in your life, perseverance over time, love for other people, freedom from love of the world.)

I loved that involvement in a local church is stressed as an essential help to our faith. This book explains that when we are around others, they can help us locate our blind spots. Also, being immersed in good biblical teaching can help us align our values and measurements with God’s.

Time and time again the reminder sounded that I need to place my trust in Christ for my salvation, and not in a resume of religious works.

This book is a helpful instrument for anyone. It will help you peel back your heart layers and look for the evidence that God has done a mighty saving work in our lives. Even as someone who has grown up in and around Christian culture, claiming the gospel for myself at a young age, this book presented a much needed assessment.

also posted on www.alissamgraham.com

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro muito bom para nos lembrar de como podemos estar a ser enganados por nós mesmos.
Um bom chamado ao auto-exame, para termos a certeza da nossa salvação, ou para verificação de que não somos salvos.
O autor apresenta temas práticos onde conseguimos examinar os nossos frutos e em conjunto com outros irmãos, crescer em fé.

[Pascal Denault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every chapter is introduced by an illustration. The content of the 9 chapters is always outlined in a easy to grasp manner. The doctrine is faithful to the Scripture and presented in a practical way. I recommend it

[Kenneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A practical guide that encourages not only self examination in the light of the word of God, but also membership in a local church where other Christians can encourage each other and hold each other accountable. McKinley makes it very clear that the Christian life is meant to be lived in community and fellowship with other Christians while simultaneously exposing the text of scripture that helps individuals to know if they truly believe.

However, I question the effectiveness for nominal Christians. Arguments are presented through many unrelated anecdotes. The specific sections that call for self examination are easily lost amidst the rest of the filler content, at least in the earlier chapters. Additionally, the language used on each test for Christianity is religious language that is neither clear nor concise for the target audience. It is quite likely a nominal Christian will not understand what is being asked. “Have you received regeneration? Do you bear fruit of repentance?” The topics of theology are equally esoteric. “Be born of the Spirit and water. Only a human could undo the curse of Adam.” The section on sin doesn’t actually define sin other than discussing it is “of the devil.” I wish the book used more secular language to better relate and more clearly articulate the message to the hell-bound audience who think they are safe. Fortunately, the later chapters do turn toward this approach.

The tests to determine if I am really a Christian:
- Has my life changed since placing faith in Christ? (Born again)
- Do I believe Jesus is fully God, fully man, came to Earth to live the perfect life, bore my sins on the cross, and resurrected from the dead? And have I put my faith into this true Jesus?
- Do I hate my sin as God hates sin?
- Am I today continually living as if I am following Christ, worshipping, enjoying, obeying, and loving him?
- Do I genuinely love all people, fellow Christians, those in need, and those who hate me?
- Do I trust my wealth more than God? Do I value possessions more than salvation of myself and others? Am I always willing to give more?

I would add: Do I have a passion to read God’s word to know him more? For if we don’t know God’s word, we can’t know the man Jesus who is The Word. This question is implied a few times through the book.

[John Brackbill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful.

The heart of the book covers these five things that always characterize genuine faith in Christ:
1. Belief in true doctrine. You’re not a Christian just because you like Jesus.
2. Hatred for sin in your life. You’re not a Christian if you enjoy sin.
3. Perseverance over time. You’re not a Christian if you don’t persist in the faith.
4. Love for other people. You’re not a Christian if you don’t have care and concern for other people.
5. Freedom from love of the world. You’re not a Christian if the things of the world are more valuable to you than God.

The book starts off with these two truths: 1) You are not a Christian just because you say you are 2) You are not a Christian if you haven't been born again.

It concludes with the question of assurance and connection to the church: 1) Can I ever really know if I am a Christian? (chapter 8) and 2) A little help from your friends (chapter 9). This chapter focuses on one's relationship to the church.

This is an easy read that would provide a helpful reference point working with someone who needs to wrestle with this main question of "Am I really a Christian?"

[Pau Hernández]

Un libro importante de autoexamen para quien dice ser cristiano, pero que debe leerse en medio de una comunidad de sana doctrina y con una eclesiología saludable. Hoy en día, la palabra “cristiano” se ha banalizado hasta tal punto que a una camiseta o hasta a un vestido de baño se le dice cristiano. También es una etiqueta con la que se refiere a una persona del común, ¿pero qué es realmente un cristiano? ¿Qué lo identifica? “Examínense para ver si están en la fe; pruébense a sí mismos. ¿No se dan cuenta de que Cristo Jesús está en ustedes? ¡A menos que fracasen en la prueba!”, dice 2 Corintios 13:5.

Este libro es una valiosa herramienta para que nos evaluemos e identifiquemos si realmente hemos tenido un encuentro con la gracia de Dios. Es mejor hacerlo ahora, en vez de sorprendernos cuando nos presentemos delante del Señor y Él nos diga: “nunca los conocí” (Mt. 7:21-23).

[Andy Huette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read book, with great illustrations and no-nonsense teaching about the marks of being a Christian. It helpfully explained key passages about examining the fruit of one's faith and is a helpful exhortation for believers as well as a bible-filled rubric for non-believers to consider what true faith looks like. My only request would be that slightly more time be spent in chapter 8 on assurance of salvation. After the first seven chapters, just about anyone could be doubting the veracity of his or her faith, so it would be helpful to beef up the ending with some more explanation of assurance.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every job or hobby has a foundation that has to be built to do the job or hobby, or to be learned before moving to a more advanced skill set. The Christian walk is the same way. There is some foundational truths that we need to be reminded of regularly to mature as believers. This book is a back to basics kind of book. It is a spiritual “spring training” that reminds us, as Christians, what it means at the foundational level to be a Christian. Read it; on your own, with your spouse, in a group, just grab a copy so you can be challenged by the title question, “Am I really a Christian?”

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” Lamentations‬ ‭3:40‬ ‭ESV

[Miss Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick ranking for me would be this book > Absolutely Sure (Lawson) > Help My Unbelief (B. Piper). Though I would put McKinley and Lawson pretty close. True to the core purpose of 9Marks, which is to strengthen and build up churches, McKinley's book puts more emphasis on evaluating your faith and living out your faith in the context of a local church. Not that Lawson doesn't, just... there's more emphasis in this book. So, if you're struggling with your faith and want a step-by-step walk through scripture on how you can have assurance of your salvation, go with Lawson. If you're struggling in your faith and feel a little lost at your local church, read this book.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a friend and read together. This book was convicting, challenging, and encouraging for me. The reflection questions and truths at the end of every chapter are so good for the soul. This helpfully outlines the heart a Christian must have, and finishes off in classic 9Marks style by wrapping up the book with the importance that attending a gospel-preaching local church has to do with being a Christian!

Would highly recommend for anyone questioning their faith or anyone sure of it as well.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good instruction, and helpful questions to help a person discern the genuineness of their faith. My only critique would be that I found it more skeptical in posture than I expected. I imagine giving this to someone who particularly needs to examine themselves, and I can't help but feel like the book's tone/manner is assuming a false profession. Personally, I'm on the lookout for a more neutral tool to help confessors examine themselves to see if they are in the faith.

[Roberto Cantanhede · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novidade importante

que você ouvirá nesse livro é que ser cristão não é ser perfeito, entretanto, é viver de acordo com fundamentos detalhados nos livros de eclesiologia e de uma maneira clara, cheia de exemplos, direta e sem complicações. Com referências variadas, de pessoas comuns ao cinema, é um livro bom de ler e que vez por outra lhe deixará com um a mente reflexiva.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful framework to think through

Mike McKinley walks the reader through five ways a person can know whether or not they are a Christian. I found it helpful and challenging. Recommended to anyone wanting to learn more about what it truly means to be a Christian.

[Scott Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot to think on, self analysis. It's ok to have doubt, go deeper, let go. The questions and "tasks" at the end of each chapter are great, simple suggestions to understand yourself better, and improve your walk!

[Kelton Zacharias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considers five marks of genuine conversion, and calls on us to examine ourselves to see if they are true in our life. Glad he connected it so well to the church.

[Leah]

Read to kids

[Rute Lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

muito bom

[John Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of months ago, I had the opportunity to attend a conference where Mike McKinley was one of the speakers. I enjoyed his presentations and sermons immensely and was fortunate enough to meet him and trade a few emails. I committed at that conference to buy both the books he has written and review them for you. Am I Really a Christian? (2011, Crossway) is really the second of his books. I will post a review of the other in a few weeks.

I am more conflicted over this book than I have been over a book in a long time. First let me say, it is a really good book. Further, it addresses a real issue in the church: people who think they are Christians but are not. But how do you know who is and who is not really a Christian? It is less important for me or you to identify who is or is not; it is vitally important for me to be able to identify whether I am or not. and that is what McKinley tries to help us answer.

This book does not seem to be a direct reply to the doctrines of “Free Grace Theology” – inasmuch as it does not directly reference those belief systems or their proponents. Instead, it is a prophetic voice to a Christian subculture that often elevates professions and image above a genuine relationship with the God of the universe through the salvation that comes only in Jesus Christ.

In Am I Really a Christian?, McKinley identifies seven traits or characteristics which he thinks out to help an individual determine whether or not he is a Christian; he then writes a chapter based on each of these characteristics from the negative perspective. The chapter titles all begin: “You Are Not a Christian …”:
* Just Because You Say That You Are
* If You Haven’t Been Born Again
* Just Because You Like Jesus
* If You Enjoy Sin
* If You Do Not Endure to the End
* If You Don’t Love Other People
* If You Love Your Stuff

McKinley’s writing is conversational and easy to follow. Most importantly, it is rooted in the scripture. And this is a good place to address why I am conflicted over this book. I appreciate that it uses the truth of the Gospel as the foundation. The problem is that I disagree with some of his interpretation. Don’t get me wrong; most of it is spot-on. He could not be more right. The problem is where I think he gets it wrong, he gets it very wrong. This is most true of Chapter 5: “You Are Not a Christian If You Do Not Endure to the End”.

When I ordered the book, I was fully aware of McKinley’s Calvinist or Reformed beliefs; and I have an appreciation for them. The chapter about enduring did not surprise me. It is the depth of my reaction that surprised me.

The other surprise was my response to the scriptures he used to support his Calvinst position. I would use pretty much the same passages to support my Reformation Arminian position. It really is a matter of interpretation!

I don’t want to be uncharitable. I count Mike McKinley as a bother and co-laborer in ministry. He desires to desires to associate and work alongside brothers and sisters who do not share his Calvinist soteriology, as do I.

He closes the book with a chapter where he asks then tries to answer the question: Can I ever really know if I am a Christian? followed by a chapter stressing the importance of membership in the local church. The chapter on church membership is perhaps the best in the book. My hope is that he will soon write an entire book on that topic.

Am I Really a Christian? is really quite a good book. That being said, as a reader you must go in with your eyes wide open. McKinley definitely approaches the subject through the lens of his deeply held Reformed theology, as he should.

This is a book I would recommend to pastors and teachers, along with those who are confident enough in their understanding of scripture to prevent being unduly influenced by the areas where I think McKinley just gets it wrong. I am hesitant to recommend it to individuals who struggle with assurance because the chapter on perseverance breeds the very false assurance McKinley tries to guard against. The book would also make a great general outline for a preaching or teaching series.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the book’s title “Am I Really a Christian?”, my first reaction was “I am really sure of my salvation, so this book is not really for me”. However, choosing among the titles, I ended up picking this one with the thought “this will be an easy read because I’m sure it all talks about basic Christianity” in mind.
However, now, after reading the book, I am enrichly blessed and I’ve been a Christian for 6 years and I am still continually amazed at how God shows He loves me. He always, always, remind me of things I thought I already learned by heart. I grew up in a Christian environment and learned Bible stories,lessons, characters and verses. Still, wherever angle I read each verse and each lesson, it goes to me differently, that’s how mysterious and great the Holy Spirit works.
So, anyway, back to the book. Am I Really a Christian? helped me reexamine my life and it made me more sure and more confident that I am a genuine Christian.
This book is perfect not only for those who doubt their “being a Christian”, but also to ALL Christians. I agree with Pastor Mike (the author) that many Christians today tend to be so complacent about their “being a Christian” that they fail to see if they really are Christians. Hence, the nominal Christians-Christians only by name, not by life. This book does not intend to condemn people that “oh you think you’re a Christian but you’re not!” and doubt their salvation, but this book is just a heartily reminder for us to constantly check ourselves, and as one family, we ought to check each other. Being a Christian is not a simple walk on the road, and the book reminded me that we must count the cost, and in our Christian life, we need to persevere until we finish the race. What struck me most in the book is found in chapter 5 where the nature of the salvation Jesus secured to us, His people, was enumerated, and the question “Can you see why a true believer, who has genuinely experienced Christ’s forgiveness, will remain in the faith until the end?” and I was like nodding and was so touched and said “This is the reason!”...

The five things that characterizes genuine faith in Christ: (1. Belief in the true doctrine 2. Hatred for sin in your life 3. Perseverance over time 4. Love for other people 5. Freedom from love of the world) are explained thoroughly but briefly with each chapter, and each chapter ends with a series of challenges to reflect, repent, remember, and report to another person. The author included lots and lots of examples and stories to make us understand each topic well. The humor in the stories and the casual but with a touch of serious tone of how the book was written didn’t bore me, and I guarantee you will not bore you too, instead it will make you think of things in your life...At the end of the book, you will indeed pray and be touched. :)

Do I recommend this book? Yes I do! If the book will be available already, I will surely share it to my friends. At the meantime, i will share my learnings to my churchmates, and of course to you, the reader of this review. God bless.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you really a Christian? If you believe you are, you might be bothered that anyone would even ask. I mean, of course you are, right? How dare anyone question that?

So it’s likely to be a little off-putting to some when Mike McKinley begins the introduction to his book, Am I Really a Christian? by making this statement: “This is a book aimed at convincing you that you may not be a Christian” (he even acknowledges he’s kind of a jerk…). McKinley has looked out over the landscape of Christianity (along with numerous biblical warnings) and concluded that there are many people who believe they are Christians but will hear Jesus say these dreaded words one day: “Depart from me; I never knew you.”

So despite the uncomfortable nature of the topic, McKinley’s pastor’s heart causes him to dive in to many of the ways people have been deceived (or deceived themselves) into wrongly believing they are Christians. After all, this is vitally important, and the bible gives numerous warnings to professing believers to examine themselves to see if they really are true believers. Using the analogy of a race, McKinley says that if you had a group of people running a race where finishing meant salvation, but many of them were just standing along the road in their nice running clothes and shoes but not actually running, it would be cruel not to tell them they will never finish the race that way. Their eternal destiny depends on actually running and finishing.

In each chapter, McKinley tackles a misconception about what it means to be a Christian. One of my favorite chapters was “You Are Not a Christian If You Enjoy Sin.” I thought McKinley did a great job here of balancing the truth of salvation by faith through grace alone with our new orientation as believers towards sin. He gets the balance right, guarding against works-salvation on one hand and indifference towards sin on the other.

The other aspect of the book I really liked was the emphasis on the importance of the local church. McKinley pleads with people to get plugged into a good church and not to walk alone, for multiple reasons. Some who are weak in their faith might be discouraged by their doubts and failures and give up, feeling like they don’t measure up in the faith. They need people alongside them to encourage them and point out evidence of God’s work in their lives. Others are prone to pride and performance-based salvation and they need brothers and sisters to call them to repentance and convict them of sin and (sometimes) even question their faith if there is truly no fruit of repentance.

First and foremost, McKinley writes here as a pastor concerned for lost sheep who believe they are on the right path when they aren’t. It’s not always pleasant, but all of us need to examine ourselves to see if our faith is real. God commanded us to do so. In an age when many are content to collect “decisions for Christ” and let them go on their way, it’s nice to see someone calling us to “count the count” of following Jesus and not presume to be in the faith. Our salvation was far too costly to count it that lightly.