Why Jesus?
So maybe you’ve been reading this blog or have been looking at other material/scripture, and are looking to start a relationship with Jesus Christ. There’s a reason why I said relationship instead of religion.
Unlike the staunch, legalistic rules that the word “religion” usually implies, true Christianity is all about love, grace, and mercy. Jesus was a whole lot more than just a great teacher of God’s laws and grace. He was (and is) “The Word [who became] flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14 NIV).
This is the grace and truth of God, who sent His son Jesus (who is God yet man) to be born of a virgin named Mary (Matthew 1:18). So why Jesus? Why did God have to send His only Son to Earth, and why did He have to die for us?
The answer can be traced back to Genesis, where the first sin was committed by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Humankind is not perfect– we know this. We live in a broken world full of war, poverty, violence, and disease. The fall of man has caused this, and we have failed to redeem ourselves. Although this sounds like a bleak and hopeless situation, there’s good news!
Jesus is our hope; the light that shines though darkness.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5 NIV).
We need a savior to rescue us from our sins, and make us righteous and new in His eyes (2 Corinthians 5:17-19). Some of us can clearly see our sins and know we need salvation right off the bat. For others, it may take time or they may never even realize the magnitude of their sins.
If you’re reading this, then the good news is that you probably are starting to realize that the human race, that you, need Jesus. No matter what you do, you cannot save yourself. The salvation through Jesus Christ is a gift from God, and all you have to do is accept it and surrender your life to Him (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Jesus is a perfect and sinless man. He is also God, being one with His father. He was sent to die on the cross to bear the world’s sins (Matthew 27), and then He made His ascension to heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Jesus was the lamb who died for your sins. He paid the ultimate price–death– so you don’t have to.
Jesus has given us His helper, the Holy Spirit, to live inside of us and guide us. This is the spirit of God that every person who gives their lives to Jesus receives. The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin and allows you to witness to everyone the power of salvation (Acts 1:5-8)!
This might seem like a lot to take in all at once. For those of you who have not ever heard the gospel before, please read these Bible verses for yourselves! I also encourage you to find a good Bible centered church, and ask the pastor to help you with any questions you may have.
Remember, God’s gift of salvation is free to all who ask for it. No matter what you’ve done, or how far you’ve turned from God, He still loves you. He still wants you in His kingdom! Once you ask for forgiveness for your sins they are removed “as far as the east is from the west…” (Psalm 103:12 NIV). Instead of a dirty, hopeless sinner you will be made clean and righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ!
Ask God to forgive you for all of your sins and make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. Then ask to receive His Holy Spirit and you will be born again! As a child of God, you can be sure of His love for you.
For new believers, or those wanting to know more about Jesus and salvation, here are some helpful links (Note: I am not affiliated with these websites; I just think they are helpful):
http://www.gotquestions.org/new-Christian.html
http://www.churchfinder.com/
Love, Emily <3
