They turn God into their puppet.

Why some people sadly “create” their own version of Jesus.

Unfortunately we live in a world where there are some people who claim to be Christians, but yet they create and teach a false doctrine of who God is. I once heard a preacher say, “They make Jesus out to be some long haired hippie, who loves everyone. They think Jesus allows everyone to go to heaven because he’s all about love and wants everyone to be happy. But in all actuality, he’s not that guy.”

Even though some parts of this statement maybe true like:

1.) God loves everyone

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16 ESV

2.) God doesn’t want anyone to perish

“…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

3.) God does want us to be happy.

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

John 15:11 NKJV

… God is also fair, so because of that, there is no way he could just allow everyone into heaven. He will judge and condemn people.

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You.

Psalm 5:4 NKJV

The abuse of God’s grace.

Jesus died so that we may have a chance to enter into heaven. Just because he died for our sinners doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want. When people create and then teach a false image of God, it makes other people think that because Jesus died for our sins, that means we are free to live sinfully and however we want. Unfortunately that is not true.

If we look at scripture, Jesus talks about turning people away from the kingdom of heaven.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.”

Matthew 7:21 NKJV

Then we have Paul. He talks about if we knowingly abuse Christ’s love by continuing to enjoy living sinfully, after we have been taught and know how we should be as Christians, then we are no longer saved by Christs’ death.

“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.”

Hebrews 10:26–27 NKJV

Now, yes we will make mistakes, and yes we will never be perfect but…

1.) Willfully continuing to live in sin

&

2.) Inherently being a sinner, but yet trying to turn away from it…

Are two different things.

God knows we are sinners so don’t beat yourself up. The main thing is are we trying to change our ways and everyday strive to be more like Christ?

So… why do some people create a false image of God?

I think there is usually one simple answer. They create a false image of God because it makes them feel good. The idea of being able to live sinfully fulfilling lives is what most people enjoy.

The thing that these people don’t understand whenever they recreate God is, he is already perfect. Here’s why, If we love someone we help them, correct them and look after them. We don’t just let anything go or allow them to do whatever they want. We teach them right from wrong, we rescue them in there time of need.

These things are what God does with us. If we look close enough we notice that we don’t have to add or take away from his character. Why should we? He is already wonderfully and perfectly him. He is there to help us not harm us. Let's love every inch of God, just like he loves us.

Thanks for reading!

-Alex