A true Christian is a person who has trusted Jesus Christ as his or her own personal Lord and Savior, because of what He did on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty for the sins of mankind through His shed blood and death. This was the way God chose to reconcile sinful man to Himself.
The Bible declares, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned —every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on [Jesus] the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
From the quoted text, we can clearly see that without exception, humanity, like lost sheep, have wandered away from God’s righteousness and choosing instead their own godless ways.
The Bible also says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God loves people and He is not willing that anyone should perish. There is absolutely no need for anyone to perish; hence God has provided the only way by which all might be saved and assured of eternal life.
I was born and raised in a Christian home by devout Christian parents. My dad was a church pastor. And I thank God for being raised in this way.
However, this by itself could not save me or transform me into being a Christian. I had to first realize that I was a sinner, like all humanity, and needed a Savior for the forgiveness of my sins.
In the Bible, King David declares, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). This means, like David, everyone is born with a sinful nature.
My parents showed me from the Bible what I needed to do to become a Christian. They said this was strictly my individual responsibility.
One Sunday morning while attending Sunday school, I made the all-important decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, and thereby receive God’s wonderful Gift of Salvation and forgiveness. I was then a lad of only 13 years. I have absolutely no regrets in doing so at such an early age.
Therefore, I can take the Apostle Paul’s testimony as my very own in saying: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). To me to live is Jesus Christ, because I identify with Him in His death and glorious resurrection.
I have completely dedicated the many years of life God has given me to worship and serve Him in Spirit and in truth. Absolutely no turning back because the Cross of Christ is before me, and this immoral and sinful, wicked world is behind me.
It is my ongoing desire and fervent prayer that all true Christians will do likewise; and take a stand for that which is right and pleases God until Jesus Christ returns.
May “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).