You must observe everything that I teach you; do not add to it or take anything from it. – Deuteronomy 12:32 (NRSV)
According to the above verse, let’s be mindful of some long-held, fake “Christian” ideas Jesus never taught:
Jesus never said: “You must accept me as your personal Lord and savior.” He did say: “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 7:21)
Jesus never said: “Non-Christians will go to hell.” He did say: “Anyone who verbally abuses another is in danger of hell.” (Matthew 5:22)
Jesus never said: “God never gives you more trouble than you can handle.” He did say: “In this world you will have trouble, but fear not, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus never said: “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” He did say … actually, Jesus talked about beinghated. He never urged hating. (Luke 6:22)
Jesus never said: “All lives matter.” He did (essentially) say: “Samaritan lives—and other marginalized lives—matter.” (John 4:7 and many other places)
Jesus never said: “People get what they deserve.” He did say: “The sun rises on the evil and the good. The rain falls on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
Jesus never said: “Blessed are those with superior firepower.” He did say: “Blessed are the peacemakers and the meek.” (Matthew 5: 5&9)
Jesus never said: “I won’t help you lest you become a lazy, dependent freeloader.” He did say: “Come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened.” (Matthew 11:28)
Jesus never said: “Wealth is a sign of God’s favor!” He did say: “Woe to you who are rich.” (Luke 6:24)
Jesus never said: “I am God.” He did say: “I am one with God.” (John 10:30)
Prayer
Christ Almighty: Save us from the desire to twist your words into the mold of our values. Instead, shape our hearts into the form of yours.
