The Difference

by Terry Wane Benton

The difference between Christians and non-Christians is not that Christians are perfect. Sometimes, you find a Cornelius (Acts 10) who is morally just as upright as Christians. The difference is that one person has forgiveness through Jesus' blood, and the other does not. Forgiveness is available to all, but only some take the free gift into their possession and use it.

Another difference is that the Christian knows enough sin to know he needs the available remedy, while the other carries the sin-disease around without knowledge or desire for remedy.
We are always sinful enough to know we need help and remedy (I John 1:7-2:2) and good enough to want it. Others are spiritually blind enough not to know they need Jesus, and evil enough not to want a cure.

Christians attend church services to hear the truth because they are sinful enough to need and give encouragement for growth and improvement, and good enough to want it. The non-Christian cares not to give or receive encouragement to improve spiritually, and is evil enough not to want to help himself or others get closer to God and each other.

So, the difference is that one person wants to grow, improve, and get cleansed, and utilizes God's gifts to that end. The other person does not see a need or want the gifts of cleansing and spiritual growth.

Neither side is perfect. But only the faithful Christian is in Christ, utilizing all His spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3ff), and that makes all the difference in the world!