I was reminded of a wild title this afternoon.  “Vampire Christians.”  I guess it’s a popular title in some circles and not for the reasons you might think.  I actually like it.  Sounds as though the Pastor has been “bitten” by the Twilight craze – no.

A Christian Vampire is someone who wants and relishes the blood of Jesus; however, wants it to consume it on their own desires.  Some might call it “fire escape salvation” or “easy believism” but what ever you want to call it, it is painfully obvious that it is rampant in the church today.

No, the Vampire Christian doesn’t worship hanging upside down nor does he or she have fangs – and no, they don’t dress like a Westley Snipes “Blade” character – they’re pretty much normal everyday looking folks.  They claim the blood of Christ for salvation and will cling to it to the end; however, with that claim they pretty much live their lives for themselves – devoid of the trappings of the Lordship of Christ.  You see, somewhere along the line – they bought into the thinking that once you ask to “be saved” and “claim the blood of Christ” you are “free” to live anyway you want – without any responsibility.  This turns the Gospel into a self serving life rope and not an act of grace by a merciful God upon a lost sinner.

The stake that Vampires hate is called “legalism” – don’t hold me back or put any conditions on my “blood oath” with Christ!  I believe that is a misguided and reactionary response to being called to live responsibly before our Lord.  Romans 6 makes it pretty clear, we have responsibilities as Christians to no long yield our lives for ourselves and wallow in sin.  This sin include attitudes such as selfishness and self centeredness along with a host of other sins listed in various locations in Scripture.  Yes, there is Christian liberty – but there is also wise and responsible living that acknowledges we are members of Christ’s body and with that comes some definite responsibilities (both corporate and individual).  Paul also wrote to the Galatian church in chapter 5 that their “freedom” came with responsibility.

So, while you (If your of the Vampire class) may have a knee jerk reaction to my thoughts and shout – foul!  I ask you to fully hear me out.  I am not calling anyone back under the law or to live under the tyranny of some form of legalism; however, I am asking us all to reconsider what we mean when we call Jesus Christ – Lord.  James said it well of the Christians in his day, “You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”  (James 4: 3)

There is nothing new under the sun.