How Can I Know Jesus Christ?
The name, Jesus Christ, has caused more division, agitation and controversy than any other name in history. If you bring up God in a coffee shop discussion, nobody is really offended. If you speak about Buddha, Allah, or Mohammed, you really don't irritate the listener. However, the name Jesus Christ seems to cut straight through the heart and right to the soul. Something makes this religious leader more contentious and convicting than all the others combined. What is it?
Unlike any other widely followed religious leader in history, Jesus Christ made a unique claim. He declared Himself to be God! Not a god, not god-like, but God incarnate - the Creator of the universe in human flesh. Intellectually, that's disturbing. Spiritually, that's the most liberating thing that could ever happen to humankind. Notwithstanding, the claims Jesus made raise a compelling “trilemma”. Once you examine the actual claims of Jesus and the testimony of His eyewitness followers, there are really only three alternatives for who He really is ….. the trilemma demands that Jesus Christ was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. You “must” make a choice! The Apostle John wrote, “these things (the Holy Scriptures) have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”; and – more important – “that believing you might have life in His name.” (John 20:31).
Unlike any other widely followed religious leader in history, Jesus Christ made a unique claim. He declared Himself to be God! Not a god, not god-like, but God incarnate - the Creator of the universe in human flesh. Intellectually, that's disturbing. Spiritually, that's the most liberating thing that could ever happen to humankind. Notwithstanding, the claims Jesus made raise a compelling “trilemma”. Once you examine the actual claims of Jesus and the testimony of His eyewitness followers, there are really only three alternatives for who He really is ….. the trilemma demands that Jesus Christ was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. You “must” make a choice! The Apostle John wrote, “these things (the Holy Scriptures) have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”; and – more important – “that believing you might have life in His name.” (John 20:31).
Interestingly, Jesus Christ has been called many things by many people, including a great man, a great teacher, and a great prophet. There is no legitimate scholar today who will deny that Jesus is a historic figure that walked on this earth some 2,000 years ago; that he did remarkable wonders and acts of charity; and that he died a horrible death by crucifixion on a Roman cross just outside Jerusalem. These are all matters of historical record that can be verified through simple research. The only dispute is whether Jesus was indeed God incarnate who rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion. Jesus told us who He is, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me.” (John 14:6)
You see, Christianity is not based upon evidence …. it is backed by evidence! Obviously anyone could claim to be God. The difference with Jesus, however, is that His life completely backed those claims.
You see, Christianity is not based upon evidence …. it is backed by evidence! Obviously anyone could claim to be God. The difference with Jesus, however, is that His life completely backed those claims.
Let's switch gears for a moment. Man has searched for meaning throughout his life, and whether he has attained riches, fame, or wisdom he finds he can never be satisfied. We have a void within us that God placed there, a void that can never be fully satisfied with anything or anyone but Jesus Christ. To fill this void is as easy as A, B, C.
There are two diagnostic questions you must answer ... and answer correctly.
Question #1: If you were to die today, would you spend eternity in heaven, or in hell? The Bible says it will definitely be one place or the other!
In the New Testament book of Romans, 6:23, it says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God told Adam and Eve because of their disobedience, they (including all future mankind), would surely die, physically and spiritually. This includes you and me! We are all sinners (meaning we’re not perfect) and deserve eternal damnation. There is only One way to heaven, God’s gift through Jesus Christ. You can’t buy it, you can’t earn it through works. You receive it only by faith. Faith in Jesus that He is God, that He died on a cross to pay for the wages of sin for you and me (to take the punishment that you and I deserve), and that He arose from the dead three days later.
There are two diagnostic questions you must answer ... and answer correctly.
Question #1: If you were to die today, would you spend eternity in heaven, or in hell? The Bible says it will definitely be one place or the other!
In the New Testament book of Romans, 6:23, it says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God told Adam and Eve because of their disobedience, they (including all future mankind), would surely die, physically and spiritually. This includes you and me! We are all sinners (meaning we’re not perfect) and deserve eternal damnation. There is only One way to heaven, God’s gift through Jesus Christ. You can’t buy it, you can’t earn it through works. You receive it only by faith. Faith in Jesus that He is God, that He died on a cross to pay for the wages of sin for you and me (to take the punishment that you and I deserve), and that He arose from the dead three days later.
Once again in the book of Romans, 10:9, 10, & 13, it says, “That 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 with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation … for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That means saved from eternity in hell. Again, it’s as easy as A, B, C. Admit that you’re not perfect and you need Jesus, Believe that Jesus is Lord and took the punishment you deserve, and Call on Jesus asking him to come live in your heart as Lord of your life. This is the meaning of salvation. His Spirit dwells in our hearts (our innermost being, spirit), and you will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus.
It’s that simple. The only requirement is that you truly mean what you say with all your heart. Words are cheap, but God knows your heart. If you mean what you profess, you will want to know Him and live for Him. Your salvation will be evidenced in your daily life!
It’s that simple. The only requirement is that you truly mean what you say with all your heart. Words are cheap, but God knows your heart. If you mean what you profess, you will want to know Him and live for Him. Your salvation will be evidenced in your daily life!
It is not uncommon to ask the question, “Why would the Creator of the heavens and earth and all that is in them, want to save me?” The answer is simple … because of His unfathomable love and grace that He has poured out on us. (Grace is unmerited favor; God’s riches at Christ’s expense). In the book of John, 3:16, John says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” And Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
If you have never made this most important decision, please give serious consideration right now as you ponder your life and where you will spend eternity. Remember, it is as easy as A, B, C.
If you have never made this most important decision, please give serious consideration right now as you ponder your life and where you will spend eternity. Remember, it is as easy as A, B, C.
If you have made the decision to give your life to Jesus Christ, and He is the Lord of your life, you are now “born again”. In the gospel of John 3:3-7 it says that you must be born again or you cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. When you are born again, you are a new creation of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17, says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.”
When you are born again, you see things in a completely new light. The things of God are now of utmost importance and the things of this world take a back seat in our lives. The things that were so important to you are now dim in comparison to the glory you now know in being in Christ and He in you.
When you are born again, you see things in a completely new light. The things of God are now of utmost importance and the things of this world take a back seat in our lives. The things that were so important to you are now dim in comparison to the glory you now know in being in Christ and He in you.
There are no more questions about what will happen to you when you die, because now you are certain that you will spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. Death takes on a whole new meaning. There is no fear of death anymore for Christians know that we are only here for a mere vapor of time, no matter how many years we end up living. Our time here on earth goes by swiftly, so we must keep our eyes on eternity.
The wonderful thing about salvation through Jesus Christ is that He does not change our human nature; we are the same people we always were. But, He does change the source from which it comes, which in turn changes its motives. Our motives and desires are now His! When Christ entered your life, it brought about a new spiritual birth, which is only the beginning of your life in Christ. Just as physical life begins at conception, spiritual life begins when you receive Christ. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross, you now have direct access to God. You are now a child of God and are part of God’s family …. you are saved!
Question #2: If you were to die today and arrive at the gates of heaven and Jesus were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven? What would your answer be?
If you have truly followed the A, B, C’s of salvation, you can confidently answer to our Lord, “Because of You Lord, only You!”
If after having reviewed this information and chose to make a decision to accept Jesus in your life, please contact us so that we can celebrate with you on your decision and help you as you begin your life as a Christian. It is critical and imperative to your Christian growth that someone be allowed to mentor you to ensure you are grounded in the basics of your new Christian faith. We're ready, able and willing to help you!
The wonderful thing about salvation through Jesus Christ is that He does not change our human nature; we are the same people we always were. But, He does change the source from which it comes, which in turn changes its motives. Our motives and desires are now His! When Christ entered your life, it brought about a new spiritual birth, which is only the beginning of your life in Christ. Just as physical life begins at conception, spiritual life begins when you receive Christ. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross, you now have direct access to God. You are now a child of God and are part of God’s family …. you are saved!
Question #2: If you were to die today and arrive at the gates of heaven and Jesus were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven? What would your answer be?
If you have truly followed the A, B, C’s of salvation, you can confidently answer to our Lord, “Because of You Lord, only You!”
If after having reviewed this information and chose to make a decision to accept Jesus in your life, please contact us so that we can celebrate with you on your decision and help you as you begin your life as a Christian. It is critical and imperative to your Christian growth that someone be allowed to mentor you to ensure you are grounded in the basics of your new Christian faith. We're ready, able and willing to help you!
Some of the graphics on this page used with permission by Dr. Ashraf Fekry and The Navigators