To be a Christian means you have embraced what the Bible says about God, mankind, and salvation. Consider the following truths found in the word of God that help us understand some of the central aspects of the gospel.
GOD IS OUR CREATOR
The implications that God is our Creator means that we are accountable to God. The Bible says we were created by God to know Him, love Him, and serve Him, so that we can enjoy Him and His endless perfections forever. The truth that God owns and sovereignly rules everything means He has absolute authority over us, calling us to a life of faithfulness, obedience, and worship. (Gen. 1:1-3; Ex. 20:1-6; Deut. 10:17-22; Ps. 47:8, 99:1-2, 103:19)
GOD IS HOLY
God is absolutely and perfectly holy in all His ways. He dwells in unapproachable light and does not approve of sinful acts. Human sin runs contrary to His nature. God's standard is perfect holiness for all people. God says, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (Matt 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16; 1 Thess. 4:7; Also see Exod. 15:11; 1 Chron. 16:29; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Tim. 6:16; James. 1:13)
MANKIND IS SINFUL
According to the Bible, every person stands guilty before God because of sin. For all people have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. There is no one who does not sin. All people have broken God’s law and standard of holiness. The Bible teaches it is humanly impossible to make things right with God through human efforts or good works (Gen. 6:5; 1 Kings 8:46; Ps. 51:5; Ecc. 7:20; Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:21; Rom. 3:10-23; Gal. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9).
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN
The consequences of sin is eternal death. Because God is holy and just, He demands that all sin be eternally punished in a place the Bible calls hell. On the day of judgement, all people will be held accountable to God for breaking His law and will receive their due punishment. (Num. 32:23; Isaiah 59:2; Ezekiel 18:4; Hab. 1:13; Matt. 25:46; Rom. 1:24, 26, 28, 6:23; Eph. 4:18-19; )
JESUS IS LORD & SAVIOR
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Even though the consequences of sin is death and judgement, the good news is that God in His perfect wisdom and love provided believers a Savior, Who lived according to God's perfect standard of holiness, yet went to the cross and bore the penalty of sin and died in the place of sinners. The death of Jesus satisfied the demands of God's justice, thereby enabling God to forgive believers and save those who put their trust in Him. (Luke 2:11, 19:10; Acts 4:12; Rom 3:26, 10:9-10; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 John 1:9, 4:14)
OUR RESPONSE
Saving faith is always marked by a desire to repent of sin. Repentance means to agree with God that you are sinful, and therefore commit to turn from your sins and turn toward God. The result will be an ongoing desire to grow in repentance and faith and to pursue and obey Christ. True saving faith is marked by faithfulness and obedience to God and His word. (Matt 11:28-30; Luke 13:3-5; Jn. 17:3; Eph. 2:10; 1 Thess. 1:9)
If you would like to talk to someone about what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ please reach out to us. We would love the opportunity to speak with you.