Let's Talk Politics

No graphics this time - it would be distracting to show political crowds, banners, flags, voting - even from different countries. The focus will be on what Jesus said about governments and how to treat them.  Here are all the verses from the four gospels regarding governments, good, bad, or indifferent:

They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21 KJV)

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him. (Mark 12:17 KJV)

And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. (Luke 20:25 KJV)

Did you expect more? Jesus came to change the lives of people - not of nations, tribes, races, or any other designation. Yes, He spoke to crowds - of people, individuals. His messages were to offer changes to their lives that brought attention to God and His abilities. The one mentioned most:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

He was speaking as a Jew to a religiously trained Jew, but no words designated them as being separate from the "whosoever" of the world God loves. The word translated "whosoever" in this verse is Strong's: 

G3956

πᾶς (pas) Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever. (Total KJV occurrences: 1238)

Sounds very inclusive to me. Yet, to a Jew then, and in many ways now, the world was divided into Jews and Gentiles. Everyone not a Jew was a Gentile - but God made it clear throughout the Bible that while the Jews were a special people to show Him to others, Gentiles could be His, too.  In God's eyes there was, and is, no difference - all were "whosoever."

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34-35 KJV)

There is no mention of directing religious views, requiring force, invoking change, feeling hatred, or instructions to disregard to any specific country - especially during a time when Jews (along with many defeated neighbors) were mistreated under Rome's military rule. In fact, Jesus apostle wrote:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV)

We are to pray for our leaders, for all that are in authority. There is no doubt this meant the Roman emperor who sent troops to neighboring lands were to be included in prayer. Christians would have been praying for Nero as he blamed them for problems Rome encountered, even as he sent them to death.

Remember - the only rulers in Peter's time came on behalf of Rome. Even the Jewish leaders depended on Romans to hold their power. Does that change what Peter wrote:

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 KJV)

Paul also admonished Christians to respect authority:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (Romans 13:1-2 KJV)

The Pulpit Commentary for these verses begins:

From admonitions to keep peace, if possible, with all men, whether or not within the Christian circle, and to act honourably and benevolently towards all, the apostle now passes to the duty of Christians towards the civil government and the laws of the country in which they lived.

What can we do, then, when we see corruption in leadership, unlawful activity, or disregard for human lives? Once again the Bible provides instruction:

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. (Colossians 4:6 KJV)

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Ephesians 4:15 KJV)

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

(1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

When you have a truth, you need to tell it to others, but speak it with love. Especially when it appears they do not know truth. Best to be certain your heart is in the right place, too. As a Christian, your truth may be seen as an outright lie by others. Know why you need to speak out, and look for the glorification of God in your speaking.

Even when an action might be taken, see what can be done with words. David did so with Saul, sparing him while explaining. Saul's death by David's hands was not part of God's solution:

And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. (1 Samuel 24:9-11 KJV)

Sometimes, as David, we must accept what is, knowing that what was, is, and will be is in God's hands and His timing. Then, we still have instructions, including the opening verses of this blog and:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)

The ability to disagree strongly is evident among Christians, even with a common goal. It does us all well not to separate in vitriolic anger, but to continue doing our jobs well within God's will:

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. (Acts 15:39-40 KJV)

These scriptures are applicable in every facet of our lives. Please take time to read them in context - and feel free to comment. 

Another Look at Armor

 Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Let's take another look at what is called the "whole armor of God" as written by Paul to the Ephesians:

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Here Paul gives us the reason we need defensive armor - and it is not one single individual we call Satan, but it is a list of those who are actively working to prove God is incapable of delivering on His promises made to this world. There are many listed here, some we can see working in this world and some that are unseen, spiritual. Some we see them working, others we can only see their results as they work within people. What we are to do with our defensive armor is to withstand evil, to remain stedfast with our Lord.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, 

To stand stedfastly against the wiles of Satan, we need to know the truth. To search out any lies and discard them. For me, the first comparison for truth is the Bible. That is an important word and has a deepth of meaning. KJV uses "truth" shows 237 times, in 224 verses. One of my favorites is Jesus' answer to Pilate in John 18:37 and Pilate's discard in verse 38. Also, Paul's description of those who turn God's truth into lies, Romans 1.25. Need help with truth? Read John 16:13. Therefore, wrap your body with truth.

and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 41:26 and again in Romans 3:10 that not  one of us is truly righteous in God's eyes. We have sinned. There is no doubt that every single individual has some sin in our loves. You know yours - and probably others know yours, too. So - how do we become righteous? I like the explanation in Romans 4:3-5. The breastplate that protects our heart, our vital organs, is faith in God, who will acceept us as righteous (morally right or justifiable; virtuous.)

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

There are verses in the Old and New Testament that speak of beautiful feet - Isaiah 52:7 and it's quote in Romans 10:15. The gospels speak of feet often, especially sending His disciples in Luke 9:1-10 and  Mark 6:7-13, and sending the 70, two by two in Luke 10:1-24. Every one of these verses speak of people going out specifically to share God's gospel with others. Missionaries. Shod feet is very appropriate!

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, 

I'm putting these two items together. They are both protective, and the second does not work without the first. A basic truth is laid out in John 3:16-18. Salvation requires belief in God and Jesus as His son. Without that belief, there is no salvation. Paul says the same in Ephesians 2:8. 

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

That's our only weapon - and it's only words, selected for use through God's inspiration. Every scripture reference/link that got you this far is one I've read, marked, and studied. It was through God's word I discovered I could be righteous through belief in Him and His son, Jesus. I was told this by a large number of people who spoke God's gospel. I do believe they not only have beautiful feet, but beautiful souls.

Because they shared the gospel with me, I discovered what faith could do, and accepted the salvation God offered. Then, lived as many humans have done since Creation - with sin. I've made mistakes along the way and learned how to accept God's forgiveness. That is done through prayer. Paul knew prayer is powerful and included a prayer request - for believers, and for himself.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:10-19 KJV)

Pray with me for all saints, those who have followed directions, sought, and found God. Pray, too, for those who still do what Paul was sent to do - share God's good news of the Christ's salvation for all who believe. Share the faith.

Ninety-Nine Per Cent

 

I ran across this last July. I didn't save the internet address, so good luck finding the page again, but did make a copy of this portion of my screen shot. I found it fascinating how much of the globe would be able to see the sun at a given moment in time. Then, I thought of a scripture:

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. (Revelation 1:7 KJV)

I understand that as spirits, everyone in Heaven and in Hell will be able to view the action taking place, but not realizing the vastness of the Pacific over the Atlantic ocean, I did not realize until this graphic just how much of the world's population have a view of the sun at the same time. Australia and the Pacific Islands, would be in the dark of night. Still, I believe they will see what God provides.

This verse says it will be a time of wailing - I think because everyone has an inkling that the world will end some day. Science says it will most likely when the Sun expands and takes in the closest planets, for nothing can survive the death throes of a star.

And, we've been told for centuries that nothing lasts forever. The Bible tells us in Psalms 90:9 that we spend our days "as a tale that is told." I'm not discounting the science that says millions of years, but I won't be around to see that. And I don't expect the earth as we know it to remain the same, either. Based on previous scientific studies, earth should experience extinction level events on an irregular basis.

Christians are taught in the Bible that one of those will occur prior to Christ's return. He spoke of it following these verses:

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (Luke 21:5-6 KJV)

The remainder of the chapter describes what some of the signs will be, and the subject is also addressed in Matthew 24, but we are assured that:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36 KJV)

However - there will be signs, laid out both in Luke 21 and Matthew 24. More specifics are given by Paul to Timothy:

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. (2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV)

Now that seems to be headlines of our times, doesn't it? Paul was specific in his second letter to Christians in Thessalonica:

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV)

Let's discuss churches for a moment, for that is what "a falling away" means - people leaving churches. How about "Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America"?

Without robust religious experiences to draw on, Americans feel less connected to the traditions and beliefs of their parents’ faith.

There is little evidence to suggest that Americans who have disaffiliated will ever return. First, the age at which Americans choose to give up their families’ religion—most well before they turn 18—suggests that they have not established a deeply rooted commitment to a set of religious beliefs and practices. Disaffiliated Americans express significant skepticism about the societal benefits of religion, even more than those who have never identified with a religious tradition. They also strongly disagree with the majority of religious Americans, who believe in the importance of raising children in a religious faith. Moreover, having children does not appear to affect religious involvement. Unaffiliated parents are not any more likely to be religiously active than those without children, and most are unconvinced that religion serves as an important source of moral instruction.

Or other articles: "Poll: U.S. church membership falls below 50% for the first time", "U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for First Time," or worldwide, University of Michigan's Center for Political Studies' "Religion’s Sudden Decline, Revisited," where we find:

But since 2007, things have changed with surprising speed. From about 2007 to 2019, the overwhelming majority of the countries we studied—43 out of 49—became less religious. The decline in belief was not confined to high-income countries and appeared across most of the world. Growing numbers of people no longer find religion a necessary source of support and meaning in their lives. Even the United States—long cited as proof that an economically advanced society can be strongly religious—has now joined other wealthy countries in moving away from religion. (Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” pages 110-111).

The most dramatic shift away from religion has taken place among the American public. From 1981 to 2007, the United States ranked as one of the world’s more religious countries, with religiosity levels changing very little. Since then, the United States has shown the largest move away from religion of any country for which we have data.”(Inglehart, “Giving up on God,” page 112)

Does that concern you? If so - why? If not - the same question: Why?

It Is Well, and I Am, Too

 

Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, 
Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? 
And she answered, It is well. 
(2 Kings 4:26 KJV)

Well, it is not as well as I hoped with the photo - it is a t-shirt I bought a couple of years ago. The phrase has a great deal of meaning for me. I've written before about Horatio Spafford and how/why he wrote the song of the same title. In fact, you'll fine somewhere between half to a full dozen of mentions over the years I've written this blog.

Earlier this week, while shopping for groceries, a lady took a few moments to get my attention, then told me how she loved the sentence, and the song. She knew some about Spafford and his family, but did not know about the American Colony in Jerusalem, so I was ablel to share a bit more of his story.

I was speaking to a woman who through our discussion confirmed she was one of my sisters through Jesus Christ. We were brought together with no planning on our part, but thoroughly enjoyed a few moments speaking of how our Lord works through so many lives, across so many years, with words that resonate through millenia. "It is well," translated in the King James Bible, from the mouth of a Shunammite woman who was granted a miracle, and still prayed for another one. You can read of her in 2 Kings' fourth chapter.

Thousands of year later, two aged women spoke her words, too. It is well, in our lives and in our souls no matter how much of a turmoil resides in our world. God has provided for us, as promised:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)

We spoke of how God's word provides comfort in difficult times, as promised:

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV)

We shared how people spoke of God's love, sharing His love and desire for mankind:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

And that it is by His mercy we are His through that belief:

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. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

We are not God's slaves, we are His children, joint heirs with Christ:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

The two of us may not meet again. We don't live in the same county, we just happen to shop in one store, meeting for a few short moments. However, we also shared the joy that we will meet again and have eternity to chat with people who brought God's word to us - think how many that would be, including a Shunnamite woman and a man of God who responded to her prayers. 

May God respond to yours as you seek to know more about Him.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

From 2009

I stumbled across this old blog from 2009 - it didn't have a graphic so I did a screen shot of this 7/23/2022 @ 11:16 am strictly because of the first verse below and the current heat wave - where we are sitting under 89. Since the biblical message never changes, it is a small reminder that if we do certain things, God gives His response:

If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; (2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV) 

 He can, you know, and has done so. Examples abound where God says “If” and explains the “Then”. The next verse in Chronicles, is a favorite and comes with a tremendous promise: 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV) 

Such is the gospel message: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (Ephesians 1:7-8 KJV) 

 This is what Christ sent His followers to do: 

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where. (Luke 9:2, 6 KJV) 

If the message is received, then …? If it is not? 

And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. (Luke 9:4-5 KJV) 

Again, when He sent the seventy, the instructions were similar: 

And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. (Luke 10:6, 10-11 KJV) 

If, however, His message is rejected, then shall come a terrible result: 

But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city. (Luke 10:12 KJV)

I'll add one more, almost everyone knows this anyway, but it's always a good reminder:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18 KJV)

An awesome promise. Paul wrote what I think about this gift:

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. (2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV)

May God be with you as you read His word.

Forgiveness

 

“It’s a strange word, forgiveness,” he said. “I never really understood it until I studied Greek at the seminary. The Greek word in the Bible—aphiemi—means ‘to set free.’ When I heard that, I suddenly grasped what it was all about: forgiving is about freedom. It’s not just about pardoning the wrongdoer—it’s about releasing yourself from the power of what they did to you. Forgiving someone sets you free.”

That's a quote from "A Feather on the Water" by Lindsay Jayne Ashford. I finished the book this week, but this isn't a review of the book.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:34 KJV)

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36 KJV)

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (Luke 11:4 KJV)

How do you forgive Dachau? Belsen Bergen? Ravensbrook? 

After we moved to Oklahoma in 1951, I ran across a black and white, glossy paper book, about 5"x7" that was nothing but photographs from concentration camps. The photo that first comes to mind is taken from a wall of an unnamed concentration camp overlooking a wide open flagstone area that women and children are running across. They were all running toward another building, all unclothed, women trying to cover themselves with their hands. 

They thought tthey were running toward showers. That was the reason given them to make them take off their clothes, but it was a lie. Every woman, every child, in that photograph taken by a German guard, would die in a room filled with zyklon B, the gas used at Dachau.

How does an individual forgive such atrocities? Corrie ten Boom told us in her book "The Hiding Place," and she showed us when she met a guard from Belsen Bergen. We forgive as we are forgiven. That frees us in such a way that we can actually pray for the soul of the person who did such terrible wrongs that are laid out in God's word, our Bible, and told to us by God's Word, His Son.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2 KJV)

Strong's G863 is ἀφίημι which is used 147 times in 133 verses in the New Testament (KJV) but not always as "forgive":

ἀφίημι aphíēmi, af-ee'-ay-mee; from G575 and ἵημι híēmi (to send; an intensive form of εἶμι eîmi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):—cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

When we forgive, we must send the hatred and fear away, forsake it, lay it aside, leave it alone, yield it up - mustn't we? Or we carry it with us. Absolutely appropriate actions when we forgive.

Isn't that what God gives us when we ask for His forgiveness? He accepts us as His children, joint heirs with His son:

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:15-16 KJV)

That is true, even if we find being His child causes differences at the least, suffering at the most:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17 KJV)

Never forget these verses were written by a former Pharisee, a Jew who believed his God, but neglected Him until he was searched out and questioned. The answer to that question changed Saul into Paul - how much can it change each one of us when we answer it:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 9:4 KJV)

Again, from "A Feather on the Water":

“You would forgive them?” 

"I would.” 

"How? Why?” 

“Because if I didn’t, I would be the worst kind of hypocrite. I believe in a God who, twice a day, washes all the sands on all the shores of all the world. He makes every mark disappear—from the gaping hole dug by a spade to the footprints left by a gull.”

Religious? Or Faith In Christ?

I read a recent Fox News article regarding statements made by Chris Pratt and I, too, do not think I am a “religious” person. The article states: "Over the years, the actor has faced criticism for being associated with religion." It is a pattern of attack when non-believers have doctrinal issues with religious organizations. In this instances, Pratt is accused of associating with a church questioning the LGBT+ basic beliefs. By such an association, he faces cancel-culture - which can kill careers.

There are people who use “religious” as a description when they really are describing a person of faith, not a person who is virtue signaling. 

When a person of faith relies on scripture, some use the “Bible thumper” pejorative to deny the value of scripture. There are church leaders who deny the importance of scripture even to the point of replacing it with current social value. 

What I am is a person of faith. I have faith in a number of things. Some apply to earthly things - such as my husband. I had faith in him when we married and promised each other to be faithful until death does us part. Now, sixty-one years later, I have the knowledge my faith was not misplaced. There is a story about our meeting, for another blog.

That is only one instance that affirms that faith is what operates within a person who is a follower of Jesus, Christ, Son of God, Savior, and multiple other factual titles.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

Now there's the description of Christians - a follower of Christ, as defined in:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26 KJV)

Jesus taught his disciples, the disciples taught others, and the process has continued for over two thousand years. Along the way there were arguments. At this point, I think the majority of denominations still believe belief in Jesus remains a necessity:

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30-31 KJV)

May I remind you again - don't stop at reading these singular verses I post. Ephesians 2:8 should definitely be read in context. The verse following explains why virtue signaling isn't a part of salvation at all. Oh, there needs to be works (again - read this in context):

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:17 KJV)

If you have a digital Bible, search with the two word "faith" and "work" with "search for all the words" selected.  With e-Sword you will find 15 specific verses, all in the New Testament. Disciples James and John wrote about it, along with Apostle Paul. I find Paul's verse here to explain a good deal why he changed from following Jewish Law as opposed to believing Christ in faith:

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (Romans 9:32 KJV)

All of this says the focus should be on Christ, even when we are accused of being against what is socially and even legally acceptable today. There are boundaries within love. Here are two examples I use often:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV)

Now take a look at 1 Corinthians 13 - the chapter defining what love is, and isn't. Start this time with:

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (1 Corinthians 13:6 KJV)

Just as doctors are promising to "do no harm," love cannot support iniquity, Greek ἀδικία defined by Strong's as: 

(legal) injustice (properly the quality, by implication the act); moral wrongfulness (of character, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong.

It does not stop with legal injustice, though removing injustice is a human necessity to protect other humans. It includes moral wrongfulness as well as a person's character. Often we speak of getting to the heart of a matter, for thousands of years actually, since David made a specific request of God when he recognized his sinfulness:

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:9-10 KJV)

That's what the Bible offers. God remains the same - even today. Please do not cancel Him by ignoring Him and His word. Follow some good advice that takes a good dose of faith:

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)