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The Parables of Jesus (Part IV)

By James Jeffery

C.S. Lewis’ book, The Screwtape Letters, presents a diabolical dialogue between a greater demon (Screwtape) and a lesser demon (Wormwood). Each chapter is a letter from Screwtape to Wormwood, instructing him in the underhanded strategies he should use to destroy people.

In chapter 9, Screwtape tells Wormwood of the value of ‘nominal Christianity.’ That is, the sort of Christianity that is all about external appearances. He says to the younger demon:

“Talk to [the Christian] about “moderation in all things”. If you can once get him to the point of thinking that “religion is all very well up to a point”, you can feel quite happy about his soul. A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all — and more amusing.”

The Screwtape Letters

In other words, the Devil prefers nominal Christianity to genuine faith. Nominal Christianity teaches that we only need to give part of our life to Jesus, but certainly not all of it.

Therefore, the nominal Christian has deceived himself into believing he is saved when he is not. The avowed unbeliever is under no such pretense.

Indeed, this is why Amy Carmichael – an Irish Christian missionary to India – said:

“The saddest thing one meets is a nominal Christian.”

Jesus recognised this, which is why He graciously gave the warning we find in Matthew 7:24-27.

Same House, Different Foundations

In Matthew 7, Jesus likened those who hear and do His words to a man who built his house on the rock. The rock refers to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The man who builds his house on the rock is wise, because it will withstand the storm of God’s judgment.

Conversely, those who merely hear Jesus’ words are likened to a fool who built his house upon the sand. When the storms come, it will certainly collapse.

By all external appearances, the houses looked identical. They were built from the same blueprint, were composed of the same materials, and were physically indistinguishable. Yet, what mattered in the end was not the house, but the foundation.

The only difference between the two houses was the foundation upon which each was built. What was Jesus trying to communicate through this parable?

True vs. False Christianity

Jesus wants us to understand that there is such a thing as self-deception. We can fool ourselves into believing we are Christians when we are not.

In practical terms, two people can both be members of a church, read the Bible, pray, sing Christian songs, give to the poor, and evangelise. Yet, one can be a genuine believer, while the other is a counterfeit.

How can this be?

While it is possible to deceive others into believing we are saved, it is not possible to deceive God. Being a Christian is not merely a matter of external conduct but is the reality of a changed heart that loves Christ.

Jesus cuts to the heart of the issue when he said:

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

Hearing and Doing

The distinguishing mark of the false believer is that he only hears Jesus’ words. He may like the teachings of Jesus and even acknowledge that He was the greatest man who ever lived. However, his life is not built upon His words. Therefore, the profession of faith is empty and meaningless.

Conversely, a true believer loves Jesus’ words, because he loves Jesus. Therefore, his life is shaped by the Word of God. He builds his life upon the foundation of the rock. After all, it is the foundation that saves, not the house.

Jesus: Our Only Foundation

The only reason the house built upon the rock survived was because of the rock. This rock is Jesus Christ, the Saviour who gave His life for sinners like us. There is no other foundation that will survive the storm of God’s judgment.

Our greatest deeds are like filthy rags before the Holy God of the universe. The only righteousness that will save us is that of Jesus Christ. How could we ever build our lives upon any other foundation?

Those who trust that Jesus Christ is a firm foundation will entrust themselves to Him. This will reflect in how we live. We will not merely be hearers of the word, but also doers.

Are you a hearer only, or also a doer?

Closing Prayer

Dear Father,

Forgive us for the times when we have been willing to listen to You, but not willing to obey. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, give us the ability to obey the words of Jesus, and to build our lives upon them.

We ask in Jesus’ name,

Amen.