A Pocket Guide To Christianity
Many people believe a Christian is someone who tries to live a good life, who accepts there is a God, or goes to church. The reality is that none of these makes a person a Christian!
Rather than rely on guesswork, we need to listen to God himself, who has spoken on the subject in the Bible. As the one source of knowledge about God, the Bible stands alone.
1. Our maker and loving master
God has spoken about himself in his Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible makes clear that Jesus is no ordinary person – he performed many miracles and claimed to be the only Son of God : our maker, God, in the flesh. Being a Christian centres on our response to this unique figure.
2. Our defiance spells endless trouble
The Bible says that we have all tried to defy God, doubting his word and preferring our own way. Because of this, our world is full of problems.
God will one day bring to account all who continue to defy him. Without exception, our sin incurs God”s wrath and puts us under his judgement (Acts 17:31), unless …
3. Jesus: punished in our place
God has acted to remedy the situation. God loves us so much he sent his Son to this planet 2000 years ago. Jesus came to provide the single means of pardon: by his innocent death, he was taking the punishment we deserve for ignoring God. The Bible puts it like this: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still a sinner Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)
4. Turn and trust him
All this means there is no middle ground. If we continue our rebellion, God gives us what we ask for and deserve. You will stay on that path simply by doing nothing about Christianity.
But if we turn back to God, trusting in his rescue and surrendering to his direction, everything changes! God wipes the slate clean. Because of Jesus” death, he freely and completely forgives. He pours his own Spirit into our hearts and gives us a new life that stretches past death and into forever. When we turn and follow Jesus as personal ruler and rescuer, we find ourselves adopted into God”s own family – for ever!
In summary; whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God”s wrath remains on him (John 3:36)
If you would like to know more please contact me
Rev. Simon Gales