Want To Be a Christian?
I do a lot of posting on – YouTube, FaceBook, WhatsApp, Twitter etc. but I have to tell you that when I consider all that I’ve done on social media this is perhaps the most relevant to you today as you read it. Why? Because it’s one of if not the most profound, impactful, and carrying with-it eternal consequences questions that an individual will ever ask.
Out of all the stuff I’ve written, this one’s a game-changer. Seriously, as I’ve said it’s about the most important question ever, the kind that can totally change your eternity.
Now, picture this: you’re reading right now, and there are two types of folks here. One, they’re already on Team Jesus – you know, they’ve done the whole “I believe in Jesus, and I’m on board” thing. Then there’s the other crew, folks who haven’t quite clicked with the whole Jesus story yet.
Now, there’s tons of stuff in the Bible about how to get saved, and on social media like getting out of the dark and into the light, spiritually speaking – Colossians 1:13. People have written books about it, even I have done so – e-Book https://amzn.eu/d/eYE0wxx (£8.99) or Paperback – https://amzn.eu/d/9SWTyyV – (£13.99 inc VAT) given it a fancy name too: “soteriology” – just a fancy way to say “salvation study”.
But here’s the kicker – becoming a Christian isn’t just about nodding your head, raising your hand, walking the aisle, church attendance responding to some religious stuff. Nope, it’s about letting God do His thing in your heart, and you just being open to it.
Jesus, in his classic style, answered the big question of “How do I join Team Jesus?” or to rephrase it “What must I do to be born again?” with a one-liner. Seriously, it’s in John 14:6. He’s talking to his crew, saying he’s heading out but will be back to take them to the heavenly house. Thomas is freaking out, like, “How do we even get there?” And Jesus drops this bomb: “I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father upstairs without going through me.” (I’m of course paraphrasing there.)
So, what’s that mean? Well, if you get what Jesus is saying there, then you’ve got the key already to becoming a Christian right there.
So, with that in mind let’s crack on and crack open the phrase – “I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father upstairs without going through me.“
Jesus is the Way.
So, imagine this grand scheme of existence, where the ultimate destination is this place called heaven, where we bask in the eternal presence of the divine, our Creator, God. It’s the place we all yearn for deep down. Now, picture Jesus as the guiding star in this eternal and spiritual journey, leading us straight to that celestial utopia.
Now, let’s rewind the clock to the dawn of creation. Genesis 1: 1-3 – In this pristine world, God crafts Adam and Eve, placing them in a garden of unparalleled beauty, a sanctuary where they walk hand in hand with their Maker. Yet, amidst this idyllic setting, God grants them in there state of innocence the gift of free will, the power to make choices, pivotal choices that could either strengthen their bond with their Creator or shatter it irreparably. And then comes the command: “Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” A simple directive with profound implications.
But alas, human frailty prevails. Adam and Eve succumb to temptation, biting into the forbidden fruit, ushering in the era of sin and its dreadful consequences. The Bible tells us “…the wages of sin is death” – Romans 3:23 and that’s just what was ushered in for the whole of humanity as we all share the one DNA of our federal head Adam.
Spiritual separation from God ensues, marking the beginning of humanity’s existential struggle. Death, both physical and spiritual, looms ominously on the horizon, casting a shadow over the once pristine existence. From that moment their physical bodies immediately began to decay. Ultimately, they would die physically of course, and without intervention, they would forever be spiritually dead.
Yet, amidst this gloom, there shines a beacon of hope – Jesus. Born of a virgin, he embodies the perfect union of divinity and humanity. His purpose? To reconcile humanity with its Creator, to bridge the chasm of sin that separates us from God’s embrace. This was God’s plan from eternity past. And so, Jesus embarks on his divine mission, culminating in the ultimate act of love and sacrifice – his crucifixion on the cross.
Through his blood, shed for the remission of sins, Jesus offers humanity a lifeline, a pathway back to God’s loving embrace. It’s a cosmic transaction, where the debt of sin is paid in full, and redemption becomes attainable for all who believe. The only way humanity could find its way back into God’s favour and presence required a death in payment for the sins of the world – sometimes termed in Biblical terms as “Penal Substitution.”
So, here’s the crux of the matter: Salvation hinges on our acceptance of Jesus as the sole means of reconciliation with God. It’s a profound truth echoed throughout the ages, encapsulated in the words, “There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.
In essence, Jesus isn’t just a ticket to heaven; he’s the very essence of our hope, the cornerstone of our faith, and the gateway to eternal communion with our Creator. Perhaps we need to think of it this way: Jesus is the way back to God.
In basic terms to become a Christian, you must believe that Jesus is the way, and that He is the only way.
Jesus Is the Truth.
As we move forward unpacking the essence of – “I’m the way, the truth, and the life. No one gets to the Father upstairs without going through me.” Let’s embark on an epic adventure, where the radiant truth embodied in the awe-inspiring figure of Jesus Christ shines like a cosmic beacon, guiding us through the mysteries of existence.
You see, Jesus isn’t just a dusty old character in history books; he’s the living, breathing epitome of truth itself, sent on a radical mission by his divine Father to revolutionise humanity. Picture him not as a relic of the past, but as the ultimate expression of timeless wisdom and boundless love, radiating like a supernova in the darkness of doubt and confusion – see John 1:14.
Imagine Jesus striding through the bustling streets of today, perhaps the very street that you live on. Not as a mere mortal, but as the embodiment of cutting-edge insight and compassionate rebellion. With every word he drops and every move he makes, he tears down the barriers of ignorance and bigotry, revealing the mind-blowing reality of God’s character and the mind-bending grace of his love John 14:9. Through his life, teachings, and mind-bending miracles, Jesus paints a breathtaking mural of divine affection, blasting through the noise of the status quo with the vibrant colours of divine truth John 1:17.
Now, let’s face the cold, hard facts of our human experience. Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat it; we’re all a hot mess, stumbling through life burdened by the weight of our screw-ups Romans 3:23. But in the midst of our chaos, Jesus throws us a lifeline. He’s not there to judge or condemn but to extend a hand of radical love and unfiltered grace, inviting us to come as we are and embrace a whole new way of being Luke 5:31-32.
But here’s where the plot thickens: Jesus isn’t just about preaching forgiveness; he embodies it. His jaw-dropping sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate mic drop moment, showcasing the mind-blowing depths of God’s love and the mind-bending power of divine mercy Acts 4:12. Through his death and resurrection, he charts a course to redemption and reconciliation with God, the ultimate trendsetter in the realm of truth and grace John 14:6.
The epic transformation of Paul, once a hardcore sceptic turned die-hard believer, is a case in point. Blinded by his own agenda, Paul’s radical encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus sends shockwaves through his existence, transforming him from a hater to a lover, from a persecutor to a preacher, don’t believe me well take a look at Acts 9:1-22. Paul’s story is a testament to the seismic shift that occurs when we encounter the truth of Jesus’ relentless love.
So, where does this wild ride take us? It leads us to the edge of eternity, to the feet of Jesus, the ultimate influencer of truth and grace, the cosmic disruptor of despair and doubt. Through him, we find hope, restoration, and a whole new way of living John 14:6. It’s a journey fuelled by the fiery truth of Christ, beckoning us to embrace the radical love that changes everything.
Jesus was sent by His Father for a specific purpose: to seek and to save that which was lost. He came to explain God, to reveal Him, and to speak the words of God to us. He is God, and He is the Word of God John 1:1-2.
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. … No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him” is what John 1:14-18 tells us. Jesus is truth, and He tells us the truth. If we listen to His words, we will understand how to become a Christian.
Here are some things to consider:
- The truth is, we are all sinners – Luke 5:31-32.
- The truth is, we must repent – Matthew 4:17.
- The truth is, we need God’s forgiveness – Acts 5:30-31.
In basic terms to become a Christian, you must believe that Jesus is the way, and that He is the only way and that He tells us the truth about our sin.
Jesus Is the Life
Let’s finally dive into the vibrant essence of Jesus’s life-giving power.
Everything about Jesus pulsates with life. The very heart of the gospel beats with the rhythm of his resurrection, rising from the dead after his crucifixion, infused with the divine energy of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
In his victory over death, Jesus stripped away its sting and the looming shadow of fear, flinging wide the doors for us to inherit his eternal life 1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Hebrews 2:14-15.
When we embrace Christianity, it’s not just a superficial change, it’s a spiritual rebirth. We’re infused with a new life, the very life of Christ himself. The Holy Spirit takes residence within us, reshaping us into reflections of Christ’s resurrection power. Once spiritually dead, spiritual zombies if you like, we’re now alive and thriving in Christ, through Christ, and because of Christ Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4-8; Romans 5:5 and Romans 8:9.
But how do we, who were once spiritually lifeless, grasp hold of this new spiritual vitality? It’s not something we can achieve through sheer willpower; we’re spiritually bankrupt. Spiritual life is a gift, a divine endowment from God. We can’t earn it through our own righteous acts; we must simply receive it by grace, through faith, by believing.
We’re saved not by our own deeds, but by God’s mercy, through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, lavishly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our Saviour – Titus 3:5-6.
Salvation isn’t a reward for our efforts; it’s a gift, bestowed upon us by God’s own purpose and grace, revealed through the appearance of Jesus Christ, who dismantled death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel 2 Timothy 1:9-10.
By taking Jesus at his word and putting it into action, we believe and receive.
We believe Jesus is the sole pathway because he’s the Son of God, the flawless, sinless sacrifice who settled our debt of sin. He’s the bridge back to intimacy with our Creator, reconnecting us to the relationship that began in the Garden of Eden but allowing us to boast in far more than Adam could possibly have imagined.
Jesus is the truth, and we need accept his words that reveal our sinful state; and to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. In doing so we welcome his life as a precious gift.
Salvation isn’t about our efforts or achievements; it’s about grace through faith. It’s about confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. It’s about calling on the name of the Lord and finding refuge in his love Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:8-13; John 6:37; John 3:16-17.
When we respond in faith, like the Philippian jailer who sought salvation, we find ourselves swept up in the life-giving current of Jesus’s saving grace Acts 16:27-31.
Conclusion:
As we approach the end of our journey, let me pose one final question: Have you embraced the truth?
If your heart resounds with a resounding “yes,” then let your spirit soar! Go forth as a radiant messenger, illuminating the path for others to discover the boundless grace and transformative power of God. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, urging us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything he has commanded.
Yet, if uncertainty lingers in the depths of your being, fear not. Today is a sacred gateway to redemption and renewal. As 2 Corinthians 6:2 implores, “now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.” Let the weight of this moment sink in, for it carries the potential to redefine your existence.
So, in this hushed moment, bow your head and open wide the door of your heart. Embrace the truth that Jesus is the way, the very essence of salvation and hope. As John 14:6 declares, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.‘” Let the echoes of your confession resound through the heavens as you acknowledge your imperfections and seek the mercy of God.
And in this divine exchange, receive with open arms the precious gift of life found only in Christ. As Ephesians 2:8-9 assures us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Let it infuse your spirit with newfound purpose, igniting a flame of passion and joy that knows no bounds.
With this bold step, embark on a journey of discovery, a journey teeming with adventure, wonder, and the boundless depths of God’s love. May your soul dance in the radiance of his grace, and may your life become a symphony of praise to the One who offers salvation to all who believe.
So, my friend, seize this moment with unwavering faith. Let the light of God guide your steps, and may your heart be forever transformed by the magnificent truth of his love.
If this is what you have done, I would be so delighted to hear about it and to encourage you further so please get in touch through – revalbertmmartin@gmail.com.
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