What a provocative statement – or question, yet it is an important question and one which we should consider.
To make a long story short, the results of believing in Jesus Christ are earth-shattering – even more so when you consider the results of not believing.
Who is Jesus Christ and what makes Him so important?
Jesus Christ is God, along with God The Father. See John 1:1-2 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the Beginning with God.”
Other Bible verses that show that Jesus is God are these: John 10:30 (where Jesus says, “I and My Father are one”); and then further John 14:9b (“He that hath seen Me hath seen The Father”); and then in John 14:11 (“Believe Me that I am in The Father, and The Father in Me”).
Now, where in the Bible does Christ get authority from God The Father? (Of course, it is true, that although both The Father and The Son are equally God, both have different office work, but they have equal authority.
Now we get to the specific authority from God The Father:
Hebrews 1:1-2 – “God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom He made the worlds.”
John 5:26-27 – “For as the Father hath life in Himself, so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.”
John 3:18 – “He that believeth on Him (Christ, the Son of God) is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
John 3:36 – “He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
“But wait a minute,” say some of the unbelieving professors, the learned men, the philosophers – why, it is much easier and sounds better to many just to believe in God. (Of course, this can only be a pretense or a generic belief.) It would be more accurate to say that very many believe in “A” god, but not “The” God of the Bible. And since they believe in God in a general way, it is easier in their minds to manipulate God in their thoughts – Why, God is good! – He wishes us no harm – Why, we are all going to end up in heaven! Where, pray tell, did this idea come from?
It is much easier in their minds to deal with God alone, as long as they can imagine or think of God in ways that suit themselves and that limit their responsibility towards Him. They do not want to get specific about many, many things that the true God has said – about life, about heaven, about responsibility, about obedience, etc.
The truth about Jesus Christ is this: He is co-equal with God The Father. God The Father has given to Jesus Christ unlimited authority, because Christ came to earth and had a very intimate relationship with man, one that was personal. Jesus Christ was God’s representative to man, an authoritative figure or God The Father. Jesus Christ spoke the words of God The Father, the truth of God the Father, the authority of God The Father.
See also, John 5:22 and John 12:44-45.
Now, let’s carry this business a little further. We know, or can know about God and His ways from the Bible. What evidences are there that the bible is true?
First of all, there are many prophecies in the Bible, most all of which have come true. There are a few more that await the time of fulfillment. There has never been and will never be a way found for any man or group to have re-written the Bible after events have taken place. This idea has been floated for many years, and is a complete falsehood.
Secondly, then there is the testimony of lives that have been changed because of belief and trust in Jesus Christ and commitment of lives to Him. Such commitments must be sincere or they are not accepted, and no changes in life, belief, or habits will occur. I, myself, committed my life to Christ at about age 24, and my life was drastically changed, sins forgiven, a new heart for God was created, and a better and much more satisfying life has unfolded, with God being in charge. Is my life now perfect? NO! But I am forgiven!! Such a change is the experience of every true believer in Jesus Christ.
Those who live for God make a much better world, a much better country and a much better society than those who do not live for God. If you do not live for God, you then obviously live for yourself. Some difference!
Forgiveness of sins, a home in heaven, the promise of forgiveness when you ask for it…sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Of course, you will not face the wrath of God life those are unsaved. These unsaved are also unforgiven.
Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, Dear Friend. You should realize that as an unsaved person, you cannot have the peace and the blessings that God intended for you.
If you are sincere about this matter – pray this simple prayer, silently or out loud:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I realize that I am a sinner, and I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus died on the cross, taking the sinner’s place, taking my place – I ask you, Lord, to come into my heart and save me, forgive my sins and make me a new creature in Christ. I ask in simple faith, believing that You will save me. In Jesus’ Name – Amen.
Friend, if you prayed this simple prayer and were sincere, you now belong to God and He will help you to become the person God meant you to be.