I used to think that Jesus was a stern taskmaster who was waiting for me to mess up. I didn't bother with living a Christian life because I thought why try I am not good enough anyway. I think this is a common misconception about Jesus and the Christian life. The things He asked me to do were really not so hard, it was giving up my fleshly view of the world that was hard. It was not wanting to give over control that kept me out of His grace. You see it was not Jesus who was the taskmaster, it was me!
When I came to this idea that it was my choice, not Jesus', that life be hard,uncaring and burdensome; I tell ya it was liberating! To truly understand that He wants ALL good things for me was such a blessing! I hope you realize that He wants the same for you.
Grace is God's ultimate gift to man. It is freely given without regard to the worth or merit of those receiving it. Isn't that so awesome! Just think about it for a second...a gift...no strings attached...God loves us no matter what. We can spend all our lives working and trying to achieve His favor, but why have that worry when we already have it. I am trying to point out that "good works" are not what saves you. It is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died at Calvary for our sins, that He rose on the third day, and the confession by mouth of these facts. read Romans 10:9-10
I believe that when you become born again you will seek to do good works because they are the will of the Father. They are His teachings and naturally we want to follow them. I do not believe that good works are a foundation for salvation because this leads us to believe that we are in control....it totally leaves God out of the picture. It is only thru Jesus Christ that we are saved...it is God's ultimate gift. He is waiting for you to open your heart and receive His gift.
As a new Christian or someone searching for the Lord I hope these following promises from God will help you. I know they have helped me. This is one of the greatest things about having Jesus as your personal Savior, He doesn't leave you to wonder what shall I do, He gave us the Bible and the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we need to do.
1) Promise of Salvation
One way satan tries to attack new Christians or keep non-Christians from accepting Jesus is to cast doubt in their minds. He might say " You don't think it is that easy do you? Just by accepting and believing Christ, you think this forgives you of sin? Surely that is not enough!" Well, friends I can tell you God's written word assures us it is. 1 John 5:11-12 says "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in the Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."
2) Promise of Answered Prayer
Another way satan may attack you will be by causing you to doubt the effectivness of prayer. He may say " You think God is really interested in YOU. He has so much going on he couldn't possibly hear your prayers much less answer them!" This is another one of satan's lies. God wants you to come to Him with every need, burden, and joy. As a believer in Christ we can ask in Jesus' name because we belong to Him. Asking in His name means we ask in His authority and on His merit. God answered Jesus' every prayer, He will answer ours when we ask in Jesus' name. God's written word assures us. John 16:24 says "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive,and your joy will be complete."
3) Promise of Victory
Satan is a great deceiver, he tries to make you think that just because you have life thru Jesus Christ that you won't be able to keep away from sin. He may say " This temptation I know you cannot resist! You are only a weak human and you will never stand against this temptation." This is where satan loses. As a child of God we believe that God can do things which are impossible for man. God's written word assures us of His faithfulness. 1 Corinth 10:13 says" No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it"
4) Promise of Forgiveness
Now this is perhaps the most important lesson any one can learn, Christian and non-Christian, as children of God we have victory over sin but there will be times when we fail and sin. Once that happens satan will be there (gleefully) saying " Oh boy you've done it now! Christians don't do things like that! Are you really a Christian?" Once again satan doesn't understand the power of God! God provides for us. We receive His full forgivness when we confess our sin to Him, an honest confession which includes a desire to forsake the sin. God's written word assures us this is true. 1 John 1:9 says"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"
5) Promise of Guidance
Many times doubt may grab hold of you. You might think can God really be with me always. What are His plans for me? Can I live up to His plan? Satan certainly likes this train of thought. But, God deserves our trust. He is the Almighty One who knows our every need and has the power and wisdom to supply it.God's written word assures us of this promise. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, amd He will make your paths straight."
I hope this helps someone to understand that God is NOT some wishy washy flim flam diety. He is the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega, the glorious Creator! He wants His children to be with Him and He provides a way for us to follow Him, worship Him, and love Him. Will you join us in His presence? Rest assured it is His greatest desire for you to do so.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door , I will come in and eat with him and he with me.Rev:3:20
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