We Can't Be Good

It is impossible for us to meet even the most minimal of God's goodness. The Bible says that the heart of man is continually evil. We may not think we're quite as bad as the next guy, but the measurement for eternal life isn't calculated by percentages. One iota of a lack of perfection misses the boat just as certainly as 100% misses it.

If we think there is any good in us, all that reflects is how adroitly we deceive ourselves. Not only are we not intrinsically good, but I am amazed at how many people labor under the idea that their good works will be their salvation. They need to read the account of the rich young ruler in Luke 18.

So, we were born sinful, and there's nothing we can do to correct it. Only God himself could correct it, and that was what Jesus came to earth to accomplish as the once-for-all-time blood sacrifice on the cross. That sacrifice was our ticket out of sin. As Christ himself said, there is only one way to heaven: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:5-7.

The next important thing to know is that, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). Even when we believe that Jesus died for our sins, even that faith itself isn't initiated by us, but by God's grace. Even though we were born in God's likeness, the sin passed down from Adam was inherited by us. We are bound by sin, and helpless, but for Christ's sacrifice. It's all about God - not us.

Not only that, but Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” (John 6:44a). We can't even come to him unless he draws us toward himself. When our spirits feel him drawing us toward him it is dangerous to neglect to respond. There may not be another time, another opportunity. Every time the Holy Spirit tugs at us and we reject him, our hearts can grow a little harder. A time might come when it is too late to respond.

If we think we are good, or that our good works will 'get us into heaven,' or that anything at all that we do results in salvation, Satan chalks another one up under his column and has a good chuckle. We are an easy mark, and deceive ourselves. The Bible warns us not to resist the Spirit or to grieve the Spirit.

Salvation is simple enough for a child to understand. When we respond to the Holy Spirit in humility and a broken heart, and believe and rely on Christ's sacrifice for us, and follow him in thanksgiving and obedience, then we are sealed by the Holy Spirit. We are new people. The Holy Spirit resides in us and changes us from the inside out.

How can anyone say no to the offer of eternity?

A Child of The King

"I've Been a Christian All My Life"

Anyone who says this (if he is serious) is almost certainly not a Christian.

If you are not aware of a moment when you asked Christ to come into your life as your Lord and Savior, you are not a Christian and never have been. You are just labeling yourself with a term that has no real significance or meaning in your life. Church is your social club. Unfortunately, I believe the majority of people who identify with Christianity are in just this tragic position.

It is impossible for a baby to be born a Christian. That's why, as Jesus himself said, you must be born again. Your birth into this world is a physical birth. To be a Christian you must be born spiritually, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23

It is not possible to be a Christian on the basis of being born into a family of Christians. You cannot inherit Christianity. This is the difference between Christianity and all religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc. Christianity is a personal relationship with God himself and, therefore, requires spiritual birth into the family of God.

John 3:3-7: Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is initiated by your personal response to God's call, his tug at your spirit. It is a specific decision made at a specific time, out of a sincere heart full of repentence and belief that Jesus died on the cross for you. "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." John 3:16.

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." 2 Cor. 13:5

How can you be sure that you have been born again? "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." Romans 8:16,17

"Therefore, my beloved ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling..." Phil. 2:12.

A Child of the King

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