Dear Friends in Christ:
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 the Apostle Paul tells us to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you failed the test?”
Whenever I encounter a Christian who is struggling to live the Christian life I ask them this question: “What is your understanding of salvation?” In almost every instance, the answer is “Jesus died for my sins so I can go to heaven when I die.”
Although that is partially right, it falls far short of the total salvation provided for us in Christ Jesus. Salvation is more than Jesus dying on the cross for us and the forgiveness of sin. Salvation is receiving a new life by being born again! Listen to the testimony of God. “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God which He has given about His son…and this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His son. He who has the son has life; he who does not have the son of God does not have life.” I John 5:9,11,12
Jesus did not come simply to get man out of hell and into heaven. His ultimate goal was to get out of heaven and back into man. Well amen to that! That’s the mystery of our faith found in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in us the hope of glory.” Jesus died for us to give His life to us to live His life through us.
Can you pinpoint a specific time when you gave your life to Christ? Not a time when you were baptized, not a time when you were dedicated by your parents, not a time when you said a prayer. The test is whether or not there was a moment in time. This moment in time is when you established a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and gave control of your life over to Him. If you can’t remember, then you may never have taken that step of faith. Only you can answer that question.
Christianity is not a self-improvement, it is a self-replacement. He does it all, that’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God! Jesus doesn’t make us better, Jesus is our better. He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it.
LIFE LESSON: “For if when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His son, how much more having been reconciled shall we be saved through His life?” Romans 5:10
The greatest test you can take is to examine yourself and to realize that Christ Jesus is living in you to live His life through you unless, of course, you fail the test.
Pass or Fail, You Be The Judge!
Our ministry prayer: “Lord Jesus, please let those who support and pray for our ministry know in their hearts how much we love them and appreciate their prayers and financial support.”
Growing in His Grace,
Len Baker
https://www.facebook.com/TheGalatianRoad
5200 South Lakeshore Drive Suite 213, Tempe Arizona 85283