28. What is the Message of Christianity and the Bible?
Key Verses / Passages
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world. but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17
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 3:36
I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
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Discussion
Jesus was sent to save us from the penalty of NOT living up to God’s design for our lives.
Initially God created the world for us to live in, a garden with trees, fruit, animals and companions. He commissioned us to rule, care for and be responsible for this world, acknowledging Him as our ruler with thanks for His generosity.
But we blew it and still do! Most of the time we ignore God or worse, we actively work against Him. Our rebellion is based on pride and wanting to rule ourselves.
Like any good ruler, God takes our rebellion seriously. Any rebellion needs to experience judgement. So, suffering and death are part of God’s punishment for humanity’s rejection. But that’s not all! One day we will stand before God defending our actions. His judgment is always just, and He will give us what we requested; separation from Him.
In HIM is life - without Him there is no life!
God loves his creation, the world and us. He does not want us to suffer the consequences. He sent His own divine son, Jesus, who did not rebel against God to take that judgement in our place. A substitute for the punishment due to the rebels of the world - us! Totally undeserved - it is a gift. He died in our place.
God accepted that death of his own divine son as payment in full for our rebellion and then raised him from the dead. He rose up to be the ruler of God’s world.
He offers to forgive our rebellion (sins), giving us the opportunity of a fresh start. He left the world physically and will return in His glory.
This leaves us with a clear choice between two (and only two) options. No other religion, belief, psychology or method is acceptable to God. Luke 14:6 says that His actions leave us with only two options to live; our way or God’s way.
Rejecting God as our ruler, living our own way means we are not forgiven by God, and we face death and judgement, leading to complete separation.
Accepting God’s way means submitting to Jesus as our ruler, depending on HIS actions as a substitute for the punishment we deserve, to be forgiven by God receiving a new life that last forever.
So, what choice will you make?
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Reflection / Questions
• Which way do you want to live? With or without Jesus Christ?
• How much freedom comes from knowing that Jesus and God the Father are in control?
• Read Romans 8:26-30. This is a description of how God helps us every day in every way.
• How confident can you now be in the circumstances of life?
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Prayer
If you have not yet accepted the gift and would like to - use this prayer to start your new journey...
Dear God,
I know that I am not worthy to be accepted by you. I don’t deserve your gift of eternal life. I am guilty of rebelling against you and ignoring you. I’m sorry, and I need your forgiveness.
Thank you for sending your Son to die for me so that I may be forgiven. Thank you that He rose from the dead to give me new life.
Please forgive me and change me, so that I may live with Jesus as my ruler.
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If you have already made the step to follow Jesus, then this is a prayer with insert from St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253) that you might like to say to Jesus:
Dear Jesus, thank you for your actions and the love you have towards me; Day by day, dear Lord, three things I ask your assistance in:
• to see you more clearly,
• to love you more dearly,
• to follow you more nearly, day by day.
Please guide me as you wish and teach me as you will.