Kirsten here!
I was raised in the church and never doubted I was a Christian. I was a Christian because I went to church,and my parents were Christians. I "believed" that Jesus died for my sins. The thing is, for 35 years, I really didn't know what that meant. It was such a catch phrase to me. I remember when I was overseas (where saying you are Christian gets attention), someone asked me, "How long have you been a Christian?" I replied, "Oh, I've always been a Christian!" I was insulted anyone could ask such a thing. After I said that, the person just walked away. I was a Christian, because I was an American, I thought. After being born again, I realize that no one has "always been a Christian".
"Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you who work inequity!'" (Matthew 7:22-23)
Despite the fact that I easily told others I was Christian before being born again, if I heard someone ask, "Would you admit you are a sinner and place your trust in Jesus Christ alone?" I would become uneasy. The fact is, I thought I would go to Heaven, because I was a good person. Even though that isn't Biblical, I didn't want to know the truth. I wouldn't admit it, but I knew that I would be convicted if I did. That meant I could no longer have a fun life. I told myself I wasn't ready. What's interesting, is that I must have known that something would change if I did know the truth.
All people know that, but few admit it. Few surrender.
"How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!" (Matthew 7:14)
Alot of people consider God to be a "celestial killjoy". The fact is, God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. He loves us so much, that he gives us a gift of salvation which we do not deserve. Everyone of us deserves to go to Hell. That is Biblical. Most people do not want to believe that we can do nothing on our own to get to Heaven. However, the Biblical standard for getting into Heaven is perfection. That means it is impossible for us to go to Heaven on our merit.
Are you perfect?
If you have disobeyed any of the ten commandments then you deserve to go to Hell. That is God's Law. That is why we need a savior.
The Bible makes it clear that WE can do nothing. We cannot, by some resolution, obey the Law of God and work ourselves out of our spiritual depravity. Since we cannot give ourselves new life, we need to be recreated. We need a new heart - a new nature. We need to be born again.
To be born again means to be "born from above." It is a radical heart change that only God can do. What you receive after being born again is a God given faith and a God given salvation.
"By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Jesus declared to Nicodemus, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:1-21)
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17). A new birth is essential. That's what salvation is: God restoring his relationship with Him, and planting His Spirit in you thus enabling you to obey the will of God. That's the purpose of regeneration.
But it's not enough to have someone offer you a gift. You must accept it or reject it. You cannot be neutral about the offer - or say that you aren't ready.
This is a YES or NO proposition.
"Whoever is not with me is against me" (Matthew 12:30)
Are you with Jesus or are you against Him?
Jesus is giving you the gift of eternal life TODAY. Jesus said, "Today is the day of salvation." (2 Cor. 6:2)
I have heard people say, "I'm a Christian, but I'm not as extreme as one of those born-again types."
According to Jesus, you are NOT a real Christian UNLESS you are born again!
What is your response?
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me". (Rev. 3:20)
Do you want to be SURE you have eternal life? Going to church, being a good person, or being born into a Christian home does NOT mean you are going to Heaven.
"... if you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved (Romans 10:9,10)."
If you want to be sure that you will have eternal life, and if you really want to know God, pray this prayer. If you mean it from your heart, God will hear you:
Dear God,
I know that I am a sinner. I know that your son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for me. I turn from my sin now and receive you into my heart. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for coming into my life.
If you prayed that prayer and meant it, let us know on our blog.
