Christians are saved and forgiven, but they are not transformed instantaneously into perfect saints. They continue to do some wrong things and to make some mistakes. The process of perfection (sanctification) in a Christian's life is usually a long process that takes a lifetime.

Trying to live a good, kind, loving, life doesn't make a person a Christian. No matter how good the intentions there is always some failure, some imperfection. And God is a perfect God. Not a single imperfection can be allowed. Every imperfection is sin, and the penalty for sin is eternal death. In order to spend eternity in the presence of God that penalty must be paid. A Christian is one who acknowledges that they have sinned, and believes that Jesus died for their sin and that God has raised Jesus from the dead. If you accept Jesus' payment for your sin then you are without sin or blemish, and you will spend eternity in the presence of God. Our attempts at living a "good life" (righteousness) are in vain. The only way to eternal life is through faith in Jesus Christ.

Going to church every Sunday will no more make you a Christian than going to a football game every Sunday will make you a football! It's not what you watch; it's what you are. You don't have to be a Christian to walk through the door of a church on a regular basis, anybody can enter. Unfortunately, in many churches if you give a regular donation to that church you will be welcomed and accepted without question.

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