In this section we delve into what it means to be a Christian, what salvation means, false religions, cults, how to identify them and more.
My walk with Jesus Christ began about 33 years ago. I knew about Christianity and had read some of the bible, listened to some sermons and knew I wanted the gift of salvation. I was on my way to Denver Colorado to attend an Amway seminar. The Sunday following the seminars was always a non-denominational message given by one of the speakers. I had attended these seminars in the past so I was aware of how they operated. There was always an alter call to accept Christ as Lord and Savior at the end of the service. I was ready. I wanted what these people had. I wanted to make it an official acceptance so I waited for the service on Sunday.
They appeared to live full lives, had plenty of joy and happiness and financial freedom. The gift of salvation and an eternal life with a relationship with Jesus was what I wanted. Just before the alter call the speaker stated something that I still remember to this day. He said; “If I’m right and you’re wrong that has a devastating ending because the bible is clear, if we choose a life without Jesus, we get eternal life, but that eternity is in hell. If we choose a life with Jesus and accept his gift of salvation that has a great ending and a great life and a life of eternity. But, if I’m wrong and you’re right, what do you have to lose?” So I went forward at the alter call and gave my life to Jesus. Following that experience I developed a hunger for the word of God. Looking back, I should have just got on my knees and prayed for salvation the moment I felt his calling instead of waiting for the Sunday alter call. I always wondered, what if that aircraft had gone down before I went forward on the alter call? Would I still have eternal life. God knows our hearts. That’s all I can say.
My work required a lot of commute time so I filled my vehicle with sermons. I was truly transformed. God’s love for us is immense. I can’t imagine a life without Jesus. It has NOTHING to do with religion. It’s about a relationship with Jesus Christ, God’s one and only son who was sent here to redeem us by dying on the cross and being resurrected from the dead on the third day and lives in us through His holy spirit.
God fills the empty void we all have. He fills every part of it with his love, grace and mercy. He literally transforms us. We truly become “new creatures”. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
So, what is Christianity? It’s simply a group of people who follow Jesus Christ and have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. So how does Jesus actually save? Romans 10:9 says “If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that He died for our sins, we will be saved”. Saved from what? It means we are saved from our sins, purified from our unrighteousness and forgiven. Jesus said: 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” So, there you have it. Confess your sins, confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that Jesus died for our sins and was risen – you will be saved. Some call it “born again”.
One of the blessings of salvation is eternal life. John 3:3636 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” That’s a pretty remarkable promise! Why would anyone not want this? Well, there are many reasons why people reject Jesus as Lord. The Pharisees are a good example of this.
The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, are frequently depicted in the New Testament as opponents of Jesus Christ and His teachings. Their rejection of Jesus is a significant theme in the Gospels, illustrating the tension between Jesus’ message and the established religious order of the time. Pride also holds people back from accepting salvation. Proverbs 8:13 says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Pride leads to a downfall, as highlighted in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Let us not see ourselves as “wise in our own eyes” but let us become humble and willing to learn from God and others!
Background of the Pharisees
The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that had developed around it. They were influential in the synagogues and among the Jewish people, emphasizing purity, tithing, and the observance of the Sabbath. Their focus on the law and tradition often led to conflicts with Jesus, who challenged their interpretations and practices.
Key Incidents of Rejection
1. Questioning Jesus’ Authority: The Pharisees frequently questioned Jesus’ authority and sought to undermine His teachings. In Matthew 21:23, they confront Jesus in the temple courts, asking, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” . This reflects their unwillingness to accept Jesus as the Messiah and their desire to maintain religious control.
2. Accusations of Blasphemy: The Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy, particularly when He claimed divine authority. In Mark 2:7, they question, “Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” . This accusation highlights their rejection of Jesus’ divine identity and mission.
3. Sabbath Controversies: Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath were a frequent point of contention. In Matthew 12:2, the Pharisees criticize His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, saying, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath” . Jesus responds by emphasizing the spirit of the law over its letter, further alienating the Pharisees.
4. Demand for Signs: The Pharisees often demanded miraculous signs as proof of Jesus’ authority. In Matthew 12:38, they say, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You” . Jesus rebukes them for their unbelief, pointing to the sign of Jonah as the only sign they will receive.
5. Plotting Against Jesus: The Pharisees’ rejection culminates in their active plotting against Jesus. In John 11:53, following the raising of Lazarus, it is recorded, “So from that day on they plotted to kill Him” . This demonstrates their determination to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their religious authority.
So, in conclusion, there are ramifications for not accepting Jesus as Lord.
John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
Mathew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Testimony from Clint Eastwood:
