“Alive in Christ” Pt 4:
We can’t become a Christian on our own or live a Christian life without the power of Christ abiding within us. This doesn’t mean we can’t be a nice person and be respectful of others. There are a few things some people don’t understand or refuse to learn. One is that there’s a requirement for anyone and everyone that wants to go to Heaven when they pass from this world.
We come into this world at birth with a sin nature. This is proven over and over by the actions of a baby that’s gets angry or as they get a little older throw temper tantrums when not getting their way. Who taught them how to act this way? It comes naturally. Some people have calm dispositions and rarely get angry or make life difficult for others. Regardless of how good or how bad a person may be, the Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
The requirement of Heaven is asking Jesus Christ to forgive us of our sins and receiving him into our heart. Jesus is Lord, and he is the One who sacrificed his life and died in your place for all the sins you and I have ever committed. Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). Going to Heaven requires our sins be forgiven and Christ is the only One who can forgive and give us a new life.
The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things pass away and all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Repenting of sin is called, “Salvation.” They are “saved” from hell and have heaven to look forward too. A new Christian is a new (spiritually) born baby that needs care and nourishment.
Receiving a new life in Christ makes one think differently (read Romans 12:1-2). When we think differently, we begin to act differently. Our sins are forgiven at salvation, but God doesn’t want us to remain a spiritual infant. He wants us to pursue a holy life and live as Jesus lives. Living like Jesus is following his example in everything we do. Tomorrow this series will close with some basic principles that when put forth develops into a lifestyle resembling the life of Jesus.
Pastor Carnes
