Becoming A Christian

3. What do you think about Jesus?

A spiritual explorer may think the proper order of inquiry is to first decide if there is a God (a philosophical question) and then figure out who Jesus is (a historical question). But another and possibly even more exciting way would be the reverse order.

Many explorers discover that when they deal with the person of Jesus, they find answers to many of their other questions at the same time. Is there a God?

Yes, and He came to earth in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in John chapter 16, verse 28, "I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

Does God love me?
Yes! Look at what He did to show that love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John chapter 3, verses 16, 17).

What religion is the right one?
Reconsider that question in light of the fact that God wants a relationship with you, not your religious affiliation. "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus...There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free , male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians chapter 3, verses 26-28).

What do I have to do to live forever?
Accept Jesus as your forgiver and your God. See John chapter 6, verse 40: "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day."

How can I experience meaning and purpose in life?
By following Jesus and by cultivating your relationships with God and with other people. Matthew chapter 22, verses 37-40 says: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

According to the Bible, until an explorer comes to terms with Jesus, he or she hasn't dealt with the issue that's most important in starting a relationship with God.

Consider this reality: Jesus is the most influential person in history. A poor itinerant preacher, the son of a carpenter but also the Son of God, changed the entire course of world history.

How can any serious spiritual search overlook Him? For example, today's date is based on a reckoning that hinges on Jesus' life. Because of Him, people were moved to split world history into two eras —"before Him" and "after Him" (B.C. and A.D.).

Practical help on your spiritual journey...