That’s a fair question. But no more or less fair than the question “Is my conversion real?” Or, “Is yours?” Just as Paul (the former Saul) was initially rejected by some in the ancient Christian Church and the Jewish leadership, Kanye West’s profession of faith in Christ is being questioned by some in the Christian Community and beyond.
A sudden, radical change in a person’s outlook, the way they talk and the way they live, can cause skepticism. Just because a rapper makes a gospel album does not necessarily prove he has been converted. Look at Snoop Dogg who released a gospel album last year. It appears his project was fake, judging by Snoop’s seemingly unchanged life.
By Their Fruits You Will Know Them
The word of God helps us when it comes to discernment of such things. Jesus warned: 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. – Matthew 7:15-20 New King James Version
Over time, it becomes clear whether or not a person – any person – not only a celebrity has truly come to Christ and has been born again. Their actions will reveal whether the Holy Spirit is transforming them from the inside out. They will begin bearing spiritual fruit in their lives (See Gal. 5:22-23). If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. – 2 Cor. 5:17. From what I have read and heard about Kanye’s new life, I have no reason to doubt his testimony. But, ultimately, it will take time to see whether it is real. In the meanwhile, prayers for all new believers is the appropriate response.
Watch this interview of him by James Corden, host of The Late Show on CBS. https://mashable.com/video/kanye-west-airpool-karaoke/. I have previewed Kanye’s new gospel album Jesus is King and like what I hear. I pray many of his fans come to Christ because of his testimony.
For the weekly countdown of the top songs on Gospel Radio in the US, listen to Hot Gospel 20 with Eli Williams.