You have to know the author to understand it
I read something recently that really shocked me. A poll was taken of those that called themselves Christians. The result was this: Six out of 10 — 60 percent — said that they were not born again. Before reading any further, what is your reaction?
I give you Jesus speaking from John 3:3: “I say unto you, unless you are born-again, you shall not enter the kingdom of God (Heaven).” And John 3:16: “For God so loved the world (you) that He gave His only Son (Jesus) so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”
Some think that by joining a church, they are a Christian. If so, why did Jesus have to die?
Some think that baptism makes you a Christian. If so, why did Jesus have to die?
Some think if you take a test, and pass, you are a Christian. Who grades you, and what is the passing grade? There is no such thing as an intellectual salvation. Now, if you have a conversion experience while taking the test, that is a different matter. If so, why did Jesus have to die?
Some think that being good makes you a Christian. How good? Everybody thinks they are good, and who is grading you? If so, why did Jesus have to die?
Some say I gave food to the hungry or gave to charity. If so, why did Jesus have to die?
All of the above made a decision that they are a Christian and want to go to heaven. I do not know anyone that would not like to go to heaven, but without Jesus, you are going to be left out.
Now I know that is going to make some of you mad, but this is not about me, it’s about Jesus. As I understand this, those 60 percent are not Christians after all and need salvation (to be born again). John 3:17: “God did not send His Son (Jesus) into the world to condemn the world (you), but to save it (you).”
God loves everyone that ever lived and sent Jesus for the main purpose of dying on the cross. Without the shedding of his blood, there would be no salvation. Salvation is a supernatural happening. At the very instant you surrender to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you and all of your sins are wiped away, forgotten, you become a new creature in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
Everyone is a sinner and until you admit this, there is not hope for you. You see, God will not allow sin into heaven and that is where the blood of Jesus washes it away, then the Holy Spirit gives you insight into the word of God (Bible). Many read it and memorize it, but it is just words without meaning. You have to know the author to understand it.
Now, what you say and what you think is between you and God. You may fool me, but God knows if you mean what you say. If you say you are a Christian and there has been no change in your lifestyle, you are living a lie. I will be praying for each of you. My main desire in life is to see you born again and have assurance that your place is secure in heaven. You have no promise of tomorrow without Christ Jesus.
Bennie Taylor lives in High Point .
Faith Matters is a column written by people of diverse faiths. To write a column, contact Nancy H. McLaughlin at 373-7049 or nancy.mclaughlin@news-record.com
