Born Again, Saved, Believe, Have Faith, Come To The Cross, Come To Christ. What do these terms mean? What is their purpose?
These terms talk about having a relationship with God. Man from the beginning of time has tried to secure that relationship but have always fallen short. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23
We are born with a sin nature—a nature that cannot please God for we must be perfect. No matter what we do—good works, go to church, follow the golden rule, give of our money we can’t achieve entrance into HIS presence. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The payout of our works is death (separation from God) BUT (love this little word) the Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God from the beginning of time knew man would fail. We could not be perfect in order to be in his presence. But God loved us and provided a way. . .”For God so loved the world that HE GAVE HIS only begotten SON that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH in HIM should not perish BUT have EVERLASTING LIFE” John 3:16
God sent his Son to come as a babe in human flesh so HE could show us, teach us who he is and how much mercy and love he has for all. Jesus not only taught and performed miracles to prove he was God but willingly went to the cross and shed his blood to make a payment for all our sin. He took our place—was our substitute, then sealed it once and for all by raising from the dead. Jesus now sits on the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf.
What must we do? Put our trust in Jesus Christ alone as the only one who paid for all our sin by HIS death, burial and resurrection. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” Ephesians 2:8,9. We can’t glory in what He did on our behalf. The terms born again, saved, believe, have faith, come to the cross, come to Christ refer to those who have accepted this free gift of eternal life by trusting Jesus Christ as the payment for their sin.
Their purpose is made clear in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Because HE saved us the least we can do is serve Him—not to be saved but because we are.
Have you come to the knowledge you will spend eternity with Him? The moment you trust Jesus Christ your new life in Christ and your Father - Son relationship with God begins and lasts for eternity. “These things have I written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life. . .” I John 5:13
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