Depending on who a person asks will determine the type of response a person will receive when asking about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Strict churches may say a person can never sin, and a person has to have everything perfect in life, which will never be achievable. Many modern, relevant churches will tell a person that Jesus loves them, He accepts them, and they don’t have to change but they only need to accept Jesus. Does Jesus love everyone, yes. Does Jesus want everyone to come to Him, yes. Does He allow people to stay the same, no. Each of these church’s ideas is based on religiosity that only hinders a true relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to God the Father except through Him (John 14:6). This is the importance of salvation and a relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is the consecration or setting oneself apart for God that many have a difference of opinion on. Jesus said Himself, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance is defined as a change of mind or a change of purpose. Applying this in the theological setting means to turn from sin by changing the mind and purpose of one’s life. Why do so many modern churches have people believe they do not have to change when Jesus Christ said that every person must change their way of thinking and living to what the Word of God says? On the other end of the spectrum, a relationship with Jesus is not based on a person’s perfection of living either. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but Christians are called to live holy before God (1 Peter 1:16). A true relationship with Jesus Christ is not based on how well a person can live life without sin or like natural friendships without changing character but are instead based on Christians allowing themselves to led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; John 16:13; 1 John 3:24), denying their fleshly lusts (Luke 9:32; Matthew 16:24; Galatians 2:20), following God’s purpose for their life (Luke 14:27; Matthew 10:38), and following Jesus and His commandments (John 8:12; John 10:27; Luke 9:23). Jesus does expect His people to change into His image and not look like the world (Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). When anyone looks like the world or becomes friends with the world they have become an enemy of God (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16; Romans 12:1-2). A true relationship is not declaring the name of Jesus and looking like the world. That is having a form of godliness but denying the power of God to work in one’s life (2 Timothy 3:5). A true relationship with Jesus Christ is repenting of sin, consecrating oneself for the use of God and Him alone, being quick to repent when sin does take place because people are not perfect, being light and salt to the people in the world, and living the Word of God each day to honor God the Father. Christians should be finding ways to lay aside hindrances and sins to their race to please God with their life (Hebrews 12:1). Do you have a true relationship with Jesus Christ? Anyone can have one if they so desire. For more information about a relationship with Jesus Christ, visit Abundant Grace Church during any service. For information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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