Factual or Actual?
The Difference between Intellectual Acknowledgment and Genuine Faith
by
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Chapter 1: The Christian Blanket
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. —Titus 1:16
Growing up, I hated going to sleep without a blanket covering me. In my mind, it was the first line of defense. I felt that if I were under the blanket, no one could get me—no monster, no robber, no fire. I was completely protected if I was under that blanket. It covered every inch of my body—except my head (ironically one of the most important parts). Even on the hottest nights when I was sweating under the blanket, I kept it on top of me because I wanted to feel safe. You might ask, “Did you really think that a blanket would save you from harm?” Of course, I was young, and if you had asked me to think about it, I probably would have concluded that it would not stop a knife, a bullet, or a fire. But it gave me the feeling of safety, so I took cover underneath it every night.
Blankets are a great analogy to illustrate how many people view Christianity, or religion in general. They want something to make them feel safe and covered, like a blanket. However, the truth will reveal that such blankets cannot do anything to save them or keep them from harm.
Unfortunately, many “Christians” today use Christianity as a blanket to cover themselves from any harm that may befall them. I put the name Christian in quotations because much of the time these blankets are used by those who call themselves Christians but do not know Jesus relationally. They have not surrendered their lives to Him. They have not been born again (John 3:3). I call the blanket they use “the Christian blanket.”
AN AMERICAN LUXURY
The Christian blanket is an American luxury, like many other things in our country. It covers all who claim the name, it gives them eternal life, and—the best part—it allows them to live any way they want. Many people live like this, but can this really be what true, saving faith in Jesus Christ looks like? Or is it the love of self that drives this lifestyle?
The Christian blanket is provided in churches all around the country for free; however, in some cases, it requires a regular gift to the church and/or regular attendance. But this is a small price to pay for eternal security, right? If all I must do is go to church every week and occasionally drop whatever change I have on me into the offering basket, no problem. I can do that. I can even sing along with the band or choir and listen to the pastor (provided I can take a short snooze or send a text or two when things get uncomfortable or boring); if I am there, I am covered.
This is how some people, who call themselves Christians, act. They curse; take the name of the Lord in vain; watch, listen to, and indulge in worldly things all week; and sometimes are even nursing a hangover when they get to church on Sunday, if they even manage to show up. (These are all examples from my own life.) Some might even justify not going at all based on their preconceptions of the other attendees at the service. Maybe they often become bored, are offended, or cannot get connected the way they think they should. So why go? They would like you to think that they still do their own study at home, but more than likely their Bible is collecting dust somewhere on a shelf. All this and still they steadily drag their Christian blanket around behind them, ready to claim the title in case the subject arises.
Strangely, the Christian blanket is not available internationally, since the price for claiming to be a Christian elsewhere is paid under the threat of persecution and even death. Just ask those in Nigeria, China, or Turkey if they know what the Christian blanket is. In these countries, the claim of being a Christian is hardly ever not followed by some form of severe maltreatment.
I often wonder where the mentality of the Christian blanket comes from, since it is nowhere taught in the Bible. The Bible teaches the exact opposite. It does not matter if you are in the church service. It does not matter if you claim to know God and waive your Christian blanket all around town. God showed us how He feels about this kind of hollow mentality when He exposed the hearts of the Israelites.
These people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men. (Isaiah 29:13)
So where does this mindset come from? How does a person develop the idea that he can simply attend church to avoid an eternity in hell? I do not believe we have to look far for the answer to this question. All we need is a mirror. Take a look and tell me what you see—flesh. This distorted mindset is deeply rooted in our sin nature. Paul says in Romans 8,
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5–8)
If individuals are living for themselves and worldly things throughout the week, they are also thinking selfishly about the eternal life that they desire to attain. Like me, they want the quick fix—the easy way out. Religion is the answer then. They will hide their worldliness with the Christian blanket they obtained when they “accepted” Christ by saying the “special” prayer, walking the aisle that one Sunday morning, or sitting on the side of their bed as their mom led them in prayer. But this is not the true Christian walk. This is a religion constructed by fleshly minds only interested in doing the bare minimum of what they think will get them to heaven. In his book Man—The Dwelling Place of God, A. W. Tozer said,
A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to “accept” Christ without forsaking the world.
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About the Book
What is the difference between an intellectual, factual knowledge of God and the actual change that occurs when you enter into an intimate relationship of love with Jesus?
Matthew Braden, a devoted servant of the Lord, explores that question in this heartfelt work, emphasizing that true faith means more than believing you are guaranteed a place in heaven. He illustrates that it is not enough to simply know all the right answers or to be born into a “Christian” home.
He looks back on how he lost his way after growing up in the church, giving in to “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). All the while, he would have claimed that he loved God. But time slowly uncovered the reality that his “Christian” life was just a veil for the sin that held him captive.
The author reveals how the Holy Spirit ignited his faith, challenging his heart with questions such as:
What does it really mean to love God?
What does true, saving faith in Jesus Christ look like?
How can you engage in authentic discipleship?
Matthew uses many thought provoking questions to challenge his readers to examine what they believe and how it affects the way they live. He also notes that choosing to put your faith in Jesus and surrender your will is not an intellectual determination—it is a decision of the heart.
Forget what you think you know, challenge what you have heard, and investigate the Word of God for yourself with the insights in Factual or Actual?
About the Author
Matthew Braden is a dedicated six-year student of God’s Word. His education began at the church he attends regularly today. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in business from Towson University in 2019 and went on to pursue more Bible-centered education through Men with a Mission, a three-year intensive discipleship class led by Pastor Wally Webster. The program equips men to properly exegete the Scriptures and trains them to become effective disciple-makers in the community and leaders in the church. At Mount Airy Bible Church (MABC), Matthew consistently serves in the music ministry and teaches adult Sunday school classes on various topics.
Matthew has authored this first book with one goal in mind: to help others see their true and total need for Jesus. His desire to see others receive Christ is driven by his own story filled with confusion, doubt, and questioning. Matthew grew up attending MABC and eventually came to a place where he questioned his faith and Christianity as a whole. Since then, Matthew has sought out the truth about God and His Word and has come to know the Lord in a true and personal way. In his writing, Matthew presents the truth of God’s Word through deep study and meticulous exegesis in the hopes of introducing his readers to the one, true, and living God.