The Truth In Print Vol. 15 Issue 5, June 2009
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
Identity Theft
The following is a simple lesson based upon the prevalence of identity theft. I have read where the FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. We are informed: “Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit.”
What is identity theft?
From the government website it says, “Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.”
In reality and from a proper spiritual perspective concerning God’s power “nothing” can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (cf. Rom. 8:35-39, “separate” — “to put apart, separate, sever. ). We are made to feel extremely thankful when comparing what identity thieves can do and may get, and that at our own loss, with the assurance that Paul offers in Rom. 8:35-39.
Christ’s Name & Its Proper Use
I’ve already noted that identity theft involves the use of one’s “name” without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Concerned reader, Christ foretold the eternal death of those who would use His name and yet never have known Him. Matthew 7:22-23 is an example of using Jesus’ name without permission. They claimed works in the Lord’s name or in Jesus’ name, but He will tell them He never knew them (Cp. 2 Tim. 2:19). “Lawlessness” is doing works in His name He never authorized (Matt. 7:23). The same claim “in Jesus name” is being made today! How long can the effects of spiritual identity theft last? Unlike the “physical” it can last an eternity! Understand that the words “I never knew you...depart” includes those who follow such thieves (Matt. 7:23, 26 “everyone”) .
It is important that we continue to give instruction showing that the name “christian” is only used one way in the scriptures. It refers to a person (Cf. Acts 11:26). It is not used before another word as an adjective to tell what “kind”. Likewise the word “brethren” must be carefully guarded (I Pet. 4:11). Paul’s use of “brethren” (Gal. 4:28) is understood by Gal. 3:27 — note that he refers to those who had been baptized into Christ to put on Christ (Cp. Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:1-6). “Christ” name theft crimes take many forms: persons, churches, businesses, ministries, and at times loan companies guised under the assumed protection of Christianity. Many have lost entire fortunes and life time savings to such fraudulent works that were “in the name of Christ” or such was strongly implied.
How do thieves steal an identity?
In answer to the question “How do thieves steal an identity?” it is emphasized that skilled thieves use a variety of methods to get your personal information: Dumpster Diving, Skimming, Phishing (they pretend to be what they are not), Changing Your Address and diverting you mail to another location, and just Old-Fashioned Stealing of purses, wallets, cards, etc. When Pretexting they use false pretenses to obtain your information from various institutions and sources.
Spiritually Christ’s identity in His law, the Gospel of Christ, allows no perversion. Skilled thieves “perverted” the Gospel (Gal. 1:7). Like identity thieves they pretended that the information they had came directly from the Lord just as from the apostles. An identity thief is “another” person than the one whom they stole from. There is only one Gospel just as there is but “one” of each of our persons (cf. Gal. 1:6-10). Paul himself saw that it was necessary to ensure that his readers recognized his own signature because of such thieves (cf. 2 Th. 3:17). Such thieves sought to destroy the plan through which God revealed His word (cf. Jo. 13:20). When one receives what the apostles taught one receives Christ who sent them and in receiving Christ they receive the Father.
What Do Identity Thieves Do With A Stolen Identity?
In answer to the question “What do thieves do with a stolen identity?” we are warned that they use it in a variety of fraudulent ways using your name. It may be Credit Card Fraud by opening a new card in your name. Other ways include Phone or Utilities fraud; Bank/finance fraud including counterfeit checks, withdrawals, loans, etc. using your name; Government documents fraud — a driver’s license or ID in your name but with a different picture, benefits using your SS number, even fraudulent tax returns. We are warmed that they may even give your personal information to police during an arrest. If they don't show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued in your name.
Describing spiritual impostors Paul said they are false apostles, deceitful worker, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ and servants of righteousness (cf. 2 Cor. 11:13-15). Just like identity thieves they used Christ’s name to get what they wanted!
Should you desire to read about a case of failed identity theft then do so at Acts 19:11-17. The evil spirits knew that these impostors, the seven sons of Sceva, did not have Jesus backing them up!
How can you find out if your identity was stolen?
In answer to this question the simple reply was that the best way is to monitor your accounts each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you do this, you are told that you may be able to limit the damage caused by identity theft. Unfortunately you may find out too late when the obvious appears from a bill collector, when you apply for a loan or mortgage and learn there are problems with credit history, or when you get mail indicating something has been purchased you never bought! How can you know Christ’s identity was stolen?
Concerned reader, once again, there is but “one” Gospel and not another! (Mk. 16:15-16; Gal. 1:6-10).
What can you do to help fight identity theft?
In answer to this question the government sight emphasized awareness as an effective weapon. It spoke of the necessity of being armed with knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action, thus making thieves' jobs much more difficult. It says you can help fight by educating your friends, family and members of your community. The FTC has prepared a collection of materials to equip one to be able to fight these thieves. Spiritually, the unity of belief and practice of the one Gospel is the means by which we fight identity theft and protect against those who wear Christ’s name who are frauds:
1. Each true convert is the “one new man” in Christ. See Eph. 2:15, 2 Cor. 5:17.
2. Eph. 4:1-6. These “ones” result in the ‘unity’ of the Spirit being preserved. There is but “one” faith!
3. 2 Tim. 1:13 says “retain” the standard of sound words as delivered by the Apostles in the one Gospel.
4. We serve the “same” one Lord and Savior (Eph. 4:5). He has all authority, Matt. 28:18.
5. His Law, the “one faith,” can be understood by all of us (Eph. 3:4).
6. We are to proclaim the Truth to all, admonishing and teaching every man impartially, Col. 1:28.
7. Always keep an eye on your card, they say. Unlike tips for populous identity theft when someone is shoulder surfing invite them to move in closer and “see” what God’s word really does say. Never let this card, the Bible, out of your sight but let others have access to it as they desire! (Cf. Acts 8:30-31)
8. Rather than speaking quietly so as not to give out any sensitive personal information, Proclaim! (I Th. 1:8; 2 Tim. 4:1-4).
9. Only use the Bible as a completely trustworthy withdrawal source (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3).
10. They say inspect the ATM to see if anything looks out of place or has been tampered with. By all means help others inspect their tampered with sources —paraphrases, human creeds, etc..
11. Don’t you fall prey to their lucky winner scams! The source said, “Doesn’t it sound good? But things that look good at the beginning turn ugly when you get aware of the truth.” Beware of the prizes for Easter! Beware of their good Samaritan handouts from such a loving face and humble hand that promotes a false religion and is so inviting! Don’t help them with what they do to influence the community to join them! Watch those “cold callers.” Don’t support them by making deals over the telephone and especially “charities” that are actually a false religion!
12. We are well armed and capable of identifying the thieves who have stolen His name: I Jo. 4:1; Eph. 4:11-16; Rev. 2:2. Name them! (Cf. I Tim. 1:20).
Isn’t it marvelous and comforting that we know that “man” (See Rom. 8:35-39 above.) cannot take what we have in Christ, our being just Christians and nothing more. We may separate our self by disobedience or by allowing our self to be drawn away after impostors who preach another Gospel. Such will “rob” you of your prize if you let them, Col. 2:18-19.
By Bob Lovelace
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com