Are You a Follower of Jesus | South Whitwell Bapti

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?

So many today are confused or even deceived about what it means to be a Christian. Some think that they are a Christian because they were born into a “Christian” country or family. Some think that being a church member makes them a Christian. Others think that because they prayed a prayer and were baptized years ago, that makes them a Christian. Sadly, many have more faith in their prayer or the waters of baptism than they do in Jesus and His work of redemption. We want you to know what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ...to be made into a new creation by His power...experiencing the new birth. This only comes by the work of the Holy Spirit in the human heart. What we are about to share with you is not a step-by-step formula...or “simple instructions on becoming a Christian”. The miracle of salvation is more than following step-by-step instructions...more than knowing facts about Jesus...more than simply repeating a prayer. It is a change of heart and life as one is “born from above” and translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light (of Jesus). For that reason, we would prefer to communicate with you directly. If you truly want to know what it means to follow Jesus, PLEASE reach out to us through our Contact Us page and someone will get back to you.

With that, here is what the Bible tells us about becoming a follower of Jesus:

Why do we need to be “saved”?

To become a Christian one must be “saved” or “rescued” from our sin and its consequences. God created a perfect world, but Adam and Eve disobeyed God bringing sin with its curse of death upon all of creation and upon all of mankind.

Romans 5:12 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

Sin is rebellion against God. He is a righteous judge and so sin has to be punished. God is an eternal, holy being, so the punishment for sin is eternal separation from God in hell.

II Thessalonians 1:9 says that those who oppose God “will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might...”

What can be done about our sin?

The Bible says we cannot rescue ourselves. Only God can save us. Salvation is “by grace through faith”. It is a gift of God “not a result of works so that no one may boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Salvation is a gift of God's grace that we can never earn nor deserve. It is simply a gift that He bestows upon all who come to Jesus in faith.

Because of His great love, God the Father sent Jesus, God the Son, to be the Savior of the world. (John 3:16) Jesus took upon Himself our humanity. He lived a perfect, sinless life (that we could never live). Then Jesus went to the cross. He suffered, bled, and died in our place – taking the wrath of God the Father for our sin. Isaiah 53:6 tells us that “The LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus died paying the final price for sin and satisfying the justice of God the Father. Jesus’ body was buried, but three days later He arose from the dead! The Bible says that Jesus “was delivered up for our trespasses (sins) and raised for our justification". (Romans 4:25) Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. Therefore, we can be justified (made righteous) by God's grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.

How can we be saved?

The Bible says,

“For our sake he (God the Father) made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“But to all who did receive him (Jesus), who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God," (John 1:12)
“...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10:9-10)
In Acts 16 a man asked the Apostle Paul how to be saved. Paul’s answer was this, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved...” (Acts 16:31)

Turn to Jesus for salvation – salvation is found ONLY in Him! Believe that He died in your place for your sin and arose the third day. This is what the Bible calls “faith – believing – trusting” in Him. Confess and believe in the Lord Jesus...He is Lord of lords and King of kings. He has paid the price for your sin and mine, through faith in Him we now belong to Him. Salvation is surrendering your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will change your heart...your life...and your eternity. Some people pray – but salvation is not in a prayer – salvation is given to us by God as we place our faith in Jesus and what He has done for us through His life, His death, and His resurrection. Turn to Jesus today.

If you have trusted Jesus today, or if you have any questions about following Jesus, please reach out to us. Here is a link to our Contact Us page. Send us a quick note. We would love to talk with you further regarding your relationship with Jesus and how you can grow in your faith.