WHY AM I NOT A CHRISTIAN?
By Rev. A. Sims
[Rev. A. Sims, in the Wesleyan Herald.] 1. Is it because I fear what others may say of me? “Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed.” Luke 9:26. 2. Is it because professed Christians are inconsistent? “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Rom. 14:12. 3. Is it because I am unwilling to give up all to Christ? “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Matt. 16:26. 4. Is it because I am afraid I will not be accepted? “Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.” John 6:37. 5. Is it because I fear I am too great a sinner? “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7. 6. Is it because I am afraid that I will not hold out? “The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thess. 3:3. 7. Is it because I think I will do as well as I can, and that God ought to be satisfied with that? “Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10. 8. Is it because I think heaven can be reached without faith in Christ? “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12. 9. Is it because I am waiting for a more favorable time? “Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Prov. 27:1. 10. Is it because I am afraid God will ask me to do more than I am able? “I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13. 11. Is it because I think my morality will do? “Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. 12. Is it because I think all will get into heaven anyhow? “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Ps. 9:17. 13. Is it because I am unwilling to give up my lodge and other worldly partnerships? “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” 2 Cor 6:14. 14. Is it because I am unwilling to confess and forsake my sins? “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13. 15. Is it because I am unwilling to make restitution? “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed,” etc. Eze. 33:15. 16. Is it because I wish to follow the foolish fashions of the world? “Not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.” 1 Tim. 2:9. 17. Is it because I would not give up my wicked business and worldly pleasures? “Godliness is profitable unto all things.” 1 Tim. 4:8. 18. Is it because I will not forgive my enemies? 19. Is it because I think I can not repent now? “Now God commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30.