Are You a Worshiper of Christ or a Mercenary?

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Part 12-
Are You a Worshiper of Christ or a Mercenary?
This episode bluntly calls into question the professed “salvation” of some believers, based on a transactional, even mercenary view of Christianity. This superficial acceptance of Christianity acknowledges that Christ paid our sin-debt in full so that we would not have to pay those wages in hell. So a logical response, based on self-preservation, is to “accept” Christ. Well this simplistic mercenary picture of Christianity, where one sides with Christ SINGULARLY to escape consequences, does not correspond to the whole gospel presented in Scripture. While the fear of hell, the ultimate consequence of breaking God’s Law, motivates a surface “acceptance” of Christ, genuine repentance and faith in Christ is the response of those who renounce their way in favor of God’s Way, Christ Himself. Fear of consequences isn’t their only motivation, but a genuine disgust with themselves coupled with devotion to Christ. This is precisely the dynamic present in the Psalm 119 where the psalmist turns to the Lord in faith because he loves God and His Law, though he has in fact suffered severe consequences for breaking God’s Law. True believers would follow Christ even if the ultimate destination of heaven or hell wasn’t an issue.

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:31 – Exploring Psalm 119
  • 00:01:05 – Delighting in God’s Law
  • 00:03:32 – The Transformation After Encountering Christ
  • 00:05:23 – Testing Our Relationship with Christ
  • 00:08:11 – Motivation for Following Christ
  • 00:09:54 – The Purpose of Worship in Spirit and Truth
  • 00:11:34 – Conclusion: Loving and Serving God
  • 00:12:35 – Closing Prayer
  • 00:12:55 – Thank You for Listening
Part 12-
Are You a Worshiper of Christ or a Mercenary?

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:31 – Exploring Psalm 119
  • 00:01:05 – Delighting in God’s Law
  • 00:03:32 – The Transformation After Encountering Christ
  • 00:05:23 – Testing Our Relationship with Christ
  • 00:08:11 – Motivation for Following Christ
  • 00:09:54 – The Purpose of Worship in Spirit and Truth
  • 00:11:34 – Conclusion: Loving and Serving God
  • 00:12:35 – Closing Prayer
  • 00:12:55 – Thank You for Listening
This episode bluntly calls into question the professed “salvation” of some believers, based on a transactional, even mercenary view of Christianity. This superficial acceptance of Christianity acknowledges that Christ paid our sin-debt in full so that we would not have to pay those wages in hell. So a logical response, based on self-preservation, is to “accept” Christ. Well this simplistic mercenary picture of Christianity, where one sides with Christ SINGULARLY to escape consequences, does not correspond to the whole gospel presented in Scripture. While the fear of hell, the ultimate consequence of breaking God’s Law, motivates a surface “acceptance” of Christ, genuine repentance and faith in Christ is the response of those who renounce their way in favor of God’s Way, Christ Himself. Fear of consequences isn’t their only motivation, but a genuine disgust with themselves coupled with devotion to Christ. This is precisely the dynamic present in the Psalm 119 where the psalmist turns to the Lord in faith because he loves God and His Law, though he has in fact suffered severe consequences for breaking God’s Law. True believers would follow Christ even if the ultimate destination of heaven or hell wasn’t an issue.

Episode Scripture References -

Romans 7:22, John 4:24, Hebrews 9:14, Psalm 119:20, Psalm 119:77, Romans 5:5, Romans 6:23

More About This Episode -

In this episode titled “Are You a Worshiper of Christ or a Mercenary?”, host Victor Vigorito addresses the question about the central theme of Psalm 119 and its application to Christian life. He emphasizes the Psalmist’s positive encounter with God’s Law, stating that it should not only expose sin but also be appreciated as a representation of God’s character. Vigorito highlights that a genuine believer delights in God’s Law, embracing it as part of their relationship with Christ.


He contrasts this positive view with a mercenary approach, where individuals may accept Christ out of fear of judgment rather than love. Vigorito challenges listeners to examine their motivations for following Christ and whether they seek a relationship purely based on transactional benefits, like forgiveness of sins, or if they genuinely love and desire to follow Christ for who He is.


Throughout the episode, he poses reflective questions to the audience, asking if they would still follow Christ if there were no consequences of hell or if their salvation was guaranteed. Vigorito asserts that true Christianity is about more than just escaping judgment; it’s about falling in love with Christ and wanting to serve Him because His way is better.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Central theme of Psalm 119 and its application in Christian life

    Key Points:

  • Positive encounter with God’s Law; it reveals God’s character
  • Genuine believers delight in God’s Law as part of their relationship with Christ
  • Contrast between mercenary approach (motivation by fear of judgment) and genuine love for Christ
  • Would you follow Christ without fear of hell?
  • Is your faith based on transactional benefits or genuine love?

    • Episode Scripture References -

    Romans 7:22, John 4:24, Hebrews 9:14, Psalm 119:20, Psalm 119:77, Romans 5:5, Romans 6:23

    More About This Episode -

    In this episode titled “Are You a Worshiper of Christ or a Mercenary?”, host Victor Vigorito addresses the question about the central theme of Psalm 119 and its application to Christian life. He emphasizes the Psalmist’s positive encounter with God’s Law, stating that it should not only expose sin but also be appreciated as a representation of God’s character. Vigorito highlights that a genuine believer delights in God’s Law, embracing it as part of their relationship with Christ.


    He contrasts this positive view with a mercenary approach, where individuals may accept Christ out of fear of judgment rather than love. Vigorito challenges listeners to examine their motivations for following Christ and whether they seek a relationship purely based on transactional benefits, like forgiveness of sins, or if they genuinely love and desire to follow Christ for who He is.


    Throughout the episode, he poses reflective questions to the audience, asking if they would still follow Christ if there were no consequences of hell or if their salvation was guaranteed. Vigorito asserts that true Christianity is about more than just escaping judgment; it’s about falling in love with Christ and wanting to serve Him because His way is better.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Central theme of Psalm 119 and its application in Christian life

      Key Points:

  • Positive encounter with God’s Law; it reveals God’s character
  • Genuine believers delight in God’s Law as part of their relationship with Christ
  • Contrast between mercenary approach (motivation by fear of judgment) and genuine love for Christ
  • Would you follow Christ without fear of hell?
  • Is your faith based on transactional benefits or genuine love?
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