For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:13
What does it mean to be a Christian?
Being a Christian is more than identifying yourself with a particular religion or affirming a certain value system. Being a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the Bible.
God is Creator
“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." John 1:3
“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Colossians 1:16
Therefore, He also owns and rules everything.
“The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Psalm 103:19
That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him absolute allegiance, obedience, and worship.
God is Holy
God is absolutely and perfectly holy...
“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
...therefore He cannot commit or approve of evil.
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” James 1:13
Mankind is Sinful
According to Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: “for there is no man that sinneth not...” 1 Kings 8:46
That doesn’t mean we’re incapable of performing acts of human kindness. But we’re utterly incapable of understanding, loving, or pleasing God on our own.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” Romans 3:10-12
Sin Demands a Penalty
God requires holiness of us as well. I Peter 1:16 says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
That’s why simply changing our patterns of behaviour can’t solve our sin problem or eliminate its consequences.
Jesus is Lord and Saviour
Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Even though God’s justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Saviour who paid the penalty and died for sinners.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” I Peter 3:18
Christ’s death satisfied the demands of God’s justice, and Christ’s perfect life satisfied the demands of God’s holiness…
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
…thereby enabling Him to forgive and save those who place their faith in Him.
“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:26
The Character of Saving Faith
True faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is agreeing with God that you are sinful, confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin…
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3
…pursue Christ...
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
…and obey Him.
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” I John 2:3
It isn’t enough to believe certain facts about Christ. Even Satan and his demons believe in the true God…
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. James 2:19
…but they don’t love and obey Him. True saving faith always responds in obedience.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Conclusion
The truth is, all have sinned and are destined to pay the penalty – death! It is unavoidable! There is also an eternal penalty for those who never deal with their sin problem. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”
It is as simple as accepting the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ by putting your faith in Him alone. No works, no religion; just Jesus! He paid the price for your sin, only He can set aside your penalty.
Trust him today! You’ll be glad you did!
If you would like more information or have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, please let us know by filling out the form below.
