Tag Archives: Christian

Why Christianity?

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If the conclusion is that God exists, why is Christianity the correct pursuit of him?

Consider that Christianity sprang from the most obscure beginning, blossomed into the predominant religion on Earth, and has remained so well over the last thousand years. Billions of souls believe that Jesus Christ is God.

How could it be that the words of a man born in a primitive town 2,000 years ago, who delivered his message for only 36 months and gathered only a handful of followers before his brutal murder, were not lost to the ages? How is it that this guy’s message has persisted?

Two thousand years after his crucifixion, Jesus is everywhere in society – either worshiped, ignored, mocked, or despised. It’s astonishing that the words and actions of a young Jewish carpenter from so long ago would be the most impactful and influential in human history. That is, unless Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be – God incarnate.

Aside from persistence and ubiquity, here are three more reasons why Christianity, which is faith in Jesus Christ, is superior to any other set of beliefs or concepts of God:

First, interaction and relationship are with God himself, not a prophet or a great moral teacher speaking about a distant deity. We come to know the one true living God who tells us about himself, ourselves, how to live, and how to perish.

Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:15-17

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Secondly, in Christianity, the forgiveness of our sins and our reconciliation with God are gifts he gives us. Every other religion, and even some Christian denominations that have missed the point, base salvation on things you must do, rituals you must perform, sacrifices you must make, or traditions and sacraments you must follow in hopes of earning God’s favor. There is no salvation in these things. Salvation is an unearned, unmerited gift, a miracle, an act of grace by God that saves us from the penalty of our sins and qualifies us for Heaven. Humanity, on its own merits, cannot earn a righteous standing with God.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Thirdly, the foundation of Christianity is a book that claims to be the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, rather than just words about God. This book is the Holy Bible. Written over 1,500 years by 35 authors, it presents a consistent message of good and evil, God and humanity, life and death, judgment and salvation. The New Testament was written by disciples who knew Jesus personally. The apostles of Christ put words on paper in the power of the Holy Spirit and delivered the message and teachings of Jesus until they were martyred for what they preached. The divine nature, guidance contrary to human instinct, and the profound presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ all show that the scriptures did not originate from human wisdom or imagination.

Conviction that the Bible is God’s word is the essence of faith, and for those who trust in Jesus, the Bible serves as an amazing, dynamic connection with God. You will find it inexhaustible in its ability to reveal meaning, and through it, your life will be transformed. It holds everything we need to know about God and his guidance for us; the answers to all questions that matter are found in the Bible – if you desire to find them.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

Everything in this work you are reading and belief in the tenets of Christianity are based on faith and trust that the words in the Bible are, in fact, the words of God. The profane, natural man has no such faith. To him, the Bible is foolish nonsense, an archaic work of implausible fiction embraced by the gullible. The secular man cannot accept the things of God; he does not believe because he cannot believe.  

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

In Christianity, believers have a direct relationship with God without the need for an intermediary. The forgiveness of sins, justification, and reconciliation with God are gifts available to everyone. Additionally, Christian doctrine is based on revelation directly from God. These are clear differences that set Christianity apart. No other religion, doctrine, philosophy, or man-made system of living or beliefs offers these things.

What follows is the dire message of Christianity and the hope of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.

The Terrible Result of Sin

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For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:30-31

God is clear about how he deals with sin. Every person will be held accountable for their unforgiven sins, and the penalty is eternal damnation. We all deserve God’s wrath that will come when we stand before him and face his judgment.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-13

The unrighteous nature of man and the coming judgment raise a crucial question. If no one, no matter how hard they try, has a righteous standing before God, then are we doomed to suffer in Hell forever? The answer is yes.

This is why mankind desperately needs a Savior.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28

The Good News of Salvation

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

The good news is that Jesus Christ is the Savior we desperately need. Jesus redeems us from the penalty of sin and saves us from condemnation and eternal punishment in Hell. God has provided the means for us to be forgiven of our sins, deemed righteous, and reconciled with him. The means of redemption was established when Jesus was nailed to the cross to die in substitutionary atonement for mankind’s sins. He endured the penalty for our sins so we could enjoy peace with God and receive the benefits of being his beloved children – benefits we enjoy both in this life and the next.

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17 

The death and resurrection of Jesus confirmed his deity and the effectiveness of his atonement for us. His resurrection proved that he is who he claimed to be and that everything he said is true. Jesus defeated death, and the promise is that we, too, will be resurrected to eternal life.

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:3-4

Securing Salvation

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

The Word of God is clear on how one is deemed righteous and saved from the wrath of God: believe and confess.

  • Believe that Jesus was God incarnate, that he was crucified to atone for your sins, and that he was raised from the dead and is alive, seated at the right hand of his Father in Heaven.  To “believe in thine heart” means having a deep personal conviction. This belief goes beyond intellectual understanding; it is a confident, immutable, and resolute truth held in your heart. It is not trivial – it is a belief you would die for.
  • Confess is to affirm that Jesus is the Lord of your life. It is crucial to understand that this confession is not a mere utterance but a sincere proclamation based on accepting Jesus as your Lord in your heart. It affirms that you no longer live for yourself; your priority now is to live in obedience and to follow him. Jesus must be in charge, not you. Saving faith is belief combined with submitting to Jesus’s lordship. Belief alone, without surrendering to his authority, will not save you from Hell.

How does one come to saving faith?

What brings someone to the point where they believe and confess?

Faith comes from hearing the Word of God. Hearing means being receptive and understanding the message of the gospel of Jesus. This is why evangelism – preaching, teaching, and personal witness – matters.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

The work of God is transformation, and the response of man is repentance. Those who respond to the call of God and believe undergo a transformation of their soul and spirit. This renewal is a spiritual rebirth, a divine act of the Holy Spirit that gives spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead in their sin. We are changed into new creatures capable of believing and submitting.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened (made alive) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:4-5

Being now spiritually alive, cognizant of the will of God and also of our wretched nature, we repent. Repentance is a fundamental change of heart, mind, and direction; a turning away from sin and toward God. It is an active conscience, the inner awareness that judges our actions in light of the moral truth we now embrace, that compels repentance.   

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

Faith is a gift from God. Saving faith is an undeserved gift by the grace of God; there is nothing you can do to earn it, but you can choose to reject it.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven.

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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

The Bible clearly teaches that faith in and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. The truth of this is supported by the suffering he endured to bring salvation to humanity. In the Gospels, we learn about his anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by his disciples, the rejection by his people, and his horrific suffering through scourging and crucifixion. Why would he have endured this if there had been any other way to save us from the penalty of our sins?

Jesus clearly states that he is the only way, not just a way to the Father. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only path to Heaven; all other roads lead to Hell. Trusting anything, anyone, or any religious system other than Jesus Christ is to commit spiritual suicide.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

If Jesus is the only way to Heaven, then there must be many roads leading to Hell.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Below are four common paths to destruction, each characterized by the failure to make Jesus Christ the Lord over everything in your life.

First, some will end up in Hell because they are satisfied in their unbelief, with no desire or need for God. Prosperity, success, social acceptance, and self-sufficiency often negate their conscious recognition of the need for God. They believe they don’t need to be saved. For them, Christianity is an unnecessary waste of time.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. Ist Corinthians 1:18

Secondly, others mistakenly believe they are in good standing with God because they strive to live moral lives and be good people. Overestimating the good within themselves, they assume that treating others well, thinking good thoughts, and doing good deeds should be sufficient to secure a place in Heaven. They, too, are convinced that they do not need to be saved. The word of God tells us otherwise; it is clear that reliance on one’s righteousness ends in death.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6

Thirdly, the next road to Hell is reliance on compliance. The religious are often taught to do something to make amends with God. They attempt to win God’s favor through actions they think will please him, such as self-righteous efforts, following religious rules and rituals, or living piously. However, in God’s eyes, these efforts are futile nonsense. Jesus railed against the Jewish religious leadership, who taught adherence to rules, rituals, sacraments, and traditions for salvation. You cannot work yourself into righteous perfection; that is why you need a savior to deliver you from being judged wanting and condemned. God desires your heart, mind, and soul, not your best efforts at religion.  

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:21-23

Finally, there is a path to Hell marked by deception, evil, and treachery. It is the perversion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by charlatans of organized religion that leads people away from Christ.

These frauds intertwine corruption, lies, and error with some element of truth, as they teach heresies that go against the Gospel in the Bible. They promote ideas like promised prosperity, the goodness of humanity, and devotion to religious rituals and ceremonies for salvation. They downplay the deity of Jesus, some by dramatic blasphemies such as claiming Jesus is a created being or even that he is Satan’s brother (Mormons). They minimize the punishment for unrighteousness and forget the plan of salvation; all the while, often taking money for personal gain. These persuasive voices tell people what they want to hear, and people believe them no matter how absurd the message is. Be aware that Satan sometimes carries a Bible.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2nd Timothy 4:3-4

The Bible is also clear that those who propagate lies and distortions of the word of God are cursed, and their destruction is inevitable.

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 2nd Peter 2:12

Benefits of Christianity in This Life

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In Christ, we find purpose and peace while looking forward to the promise of Heaven. The blessings we receive during our earthly life of faith come from our identity as children of God; knowing our lives are in the care of our Heavenly Father, who is in complete control. What follows are the main benefits Christians experience during their short time on Earth.

Peace from God.

Those who are at peace with God enjoy peace from God. 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Peace with God means being reconciled to him, no longer his enemy. Peace from God is a state of calmness, free from anxiety, filled with contentment, clarity, completeness, joy, and the confidence to live according to the truth that contradicts the chaos of the world. We experience abundant peace when we are in harmony with God’s will. By seeking God and staying close to him, his peace permeates our daily lives. This provides consistent evidence of his love, deepening our faith, and increases our reliance on him. When we immerse ourselves in his Word, pray, and keep our eyes on Jesus Christ, our souls are filled with a deep peace that only God can give.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you . . . After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 & 10

If you live only for yourself and pursue your heart’s desires with self-reliant pride, then any peace you find will be fleeting. The apostle Paul reminds us to be anxious for nothing; instead, he urges us to pray about everything.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Here, our Lord assures us that we can find peace in this life:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27

All Things Work Together for Our Good.

It is a great comfort to know that God is in control of our lives and everything we experience. We rest confidently knowing that God ultimately uses all things for our good, even if it doesn’t seem so at the moment.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

God uses every event and circumstance – whether good, bad, or terrible – to accomplish his will for those who belong to him. His purpose is to shape us to be more like his Son, and there is no better outcome we could hope for than becoming more like Jesus Christ. Although we may not always understand the why, how, or when of what God is doing, we trust him because we belong to him, and he takes care of us. This is the comfort that God’s children enjoy. Those who have rejected Jesus are left to navigate life on their own, and not everything will ultimately work out for their own good.

Meaning & Purpose

Living for God, with the promise of eternal life in Heaven, gives us clear meaning and purpose. We are to glorify God, which means giving him weight, recognizing his significance, and making him essential in our lives and the lives of others. This involves honoring him in our words, actions, and thoughts and striving to live in loving, grateful obedience. Transcendent meaning and purpose come from serving God, rather than chasing the fleeting pleasures of this world. Living in Christ and fulfilling your God-given purpose will make your life meaningful and significant.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 1 Peter 2:9

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Clearly, the world has nothing to offer that truly fulfills. Consider those who seem to have it all – those who have the world by the tail and have hit the heights of celebrity, wealth, and success – yet still find themselves so troubled that they put a rope around their neck and kick out the stool to find peace. It is a tragic end to the lost souls who jump to their eternal conclusion.

Mortal Death & Eternal Life

Ultimately, we all share the same physical fate; no one gets out of here alive. However, Christians need not fear death, because we who trust in God’s promises can rest in the assurance of these two truths:

First, our lives are in God’s hands, and he alone will determine when our time on Earth will end. We will not be called home to Heaven one second before God’s will allows it.

Second, we are headed to eternity with God in Heaven—a far better place than where we are now.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3

As you deepen your faith, your confidence in life after death grows more certain. This assurance provides Christians with courage and great comfort as they face their inevitable departure from this mortal life. Jesus repeatedly assures us that those who believe in him will have eternal life, and we trust what he tells us

Security in Christ

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Submit to Jesus Christ, and you will be saved for eternity. We serve a faithful God who will never abandon us. Jesus himself reassures us in this beautiful verse:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one. John 10:27-30      

Testimony of Transformation

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When you become a Christian, you become a new kind of person.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

As a child, I was well-versed in the message of salvation, and in my teens, I publicly declared my faith in Jesus Christ and was “saved.” My father and I were baptized together in a small Texas Southern Baptist church during the same evening service. That was around 1974. The foundation of my education in God’s word, laid so long ago, was instrumental in my preparation, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-50s, 40 years later, that I felt drawn, led, or driven – however you want to put it – to turn to God. It was then that I experienced a profound change, in many ways dramatic, and finally became a new kind of person.

It was a combination of challenging circumstances that brought me to this point. My father, whom I was very close to, was terminally ill, and we knew his death was imminent. The anxious thought of losing him, a figure of stability and security in my life, along with other life pressures, heightened my primary source of anxiety and stress: a highly demanding job. I felt that my knowledge, experience, and confidence were, at best, the minimum needed to succeed. I worried that I lacked the competency to handle the role, and the workload felt overwhelming.

The pressure to perform was overwhelming, and a crippling fear bloomed inside me. This ongoing sense of failure anxiety affected every aspect of my life. At its worst, I couldn’t perform well at work. Fear would grip me during meetings, causing me to freeze in panic. With a pounding heart, sweaty palms, and an inability to breathe, think, or speak, I had to endure the embarrassment of excusing myself from meetings. The worry that this might cost me my job intensified my stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle of fear. It became clear that I couldn’t manage or cope with it on my own; self-reliance no longer carried me through the tough days.

The unexpected benefit of weakness is that God uses it to draw us closer to him. When I realized I had reached the limit of my ability to cope effectively, I turned to God. To the best of my ability, I surrendered my entire life to him, including all my challenges, insecurities, and failures. I placed my job, my role as a father and husband, my attitude, happiness, and future in his hands, and the result was astonishing.

I experienced a shift in attitude, perspective, and priorities as my desire to live in a way that pleases God became my highest priority. The issues and trials in my life continue, but I find that, with God’s help, I can now handle and navigate them effectively. I have learned that this life is a test; I expect to face an abundance of challenges and difficulties as God works to develop and mature my soul and character to be more like Christ. The growing conviction that God is in control, along with my faith that the struggles in this mortal life are insignificant compared to the eternal joy ahead, helps calm my fears and anxieties about the day’s affairs. I have learned to trust in God.

I felt his loving kindness as he comforted us through my father’s passing. I was there when Dad took his last breath, and although the separation was difficult, we found peace throughout it all. I felt his support as he established me at work, far beyond what I thought possible. Through him, I gained competence, worth, and reassurance – not just in the job but in knowing that his plan for me was the best I could hope for. He blessed my marriage with increased understanding, tolerance, and patience, along with a stronger desire to serve. Eighteen years of marriage now, and we have never been closer or more complete together.

Most importantly, I have peace knowing that all things now work for my good, and after my mortal life, I will spend eternity in Heaven. I strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and I have true peace with God. I now understand and experience the often-repeated paradox in the Bible: “Whoever wishes to keep his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will keep it.” I am grateful that God gave me the time to reach this point. My 40 years of wandering in the wilderness had come to an end. 

As I mature in my faith, I see self-serving attitudes fading away, replaced by a resolute desire to please God. This transformation is not instantaneous; it unfolds throughout your life as you pursue God and he works to make you more like Christ in motives, thoughts, and behavior. As you immerse yourself in God’s word and absorb truth from sound teachers and fellow believers, he opens your eyes to understand what is right and proper while convicting you of what is wrong and unacceptable. Actively pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ, and you will experience transformation. Undoubtedly, you will look back in disbelief at what you once sought in the world, how you lived your life, how you treated others, and what you thought was acceptable.

What You Say Matters

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Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. James 3:4-8

You can destroy your life with what you say. In a moment of foolishness, you can hurt others, ruin your reputation, and dishonor God. An undisciplined tongue is the hallmark of a fool. Discipline in what you say, along with listening and calm control, are markers of a mature Christian . . .

But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19

The things you say also reveal what is in your heart. Listen to what people say and understand what they really are. . .

The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks that which fills his heart Luke 6:45

Here Jesus tells us that the things you say are so impactful that judgment and salvation hang in the balance . . .

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

Those who live in Christ, seeking the approval of God above all else, say things that are different from those who are lost in the world. People who spew boastful arrogance, slander (tearing others down), obscenities; offensive, malicious, and derogatory gossip are displeasing to God. Not to mention those who dishonor and disparage God, using his name as profanity!  This is all filth from the world and should not be present in those who live in Christ. What you say matters and you will be held accountable for what comes out of your mouth.

But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an account for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

Often the best plan is to keep your mouth shut. Unless you are sure what you are about to say is rooted in the truth, adds some value, is not self-serving, and is pleasing to God, you are best served to keep it to yourself.

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:28

Discipline, Self-Control, and Moral Excellence

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And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

In the verses preceding those above, Peter tells us that “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” are given to us by Jesus. Because of all that is ours in Christ (salvation), Peter tells us to do the following:

Giving all diligence, add to your faith – this is striving with maximum effort, a result of self-discipline, to enhance your belief in the word of God (faith) with the following 7 excellent qualities:

  • Virtue is moral excellence.  The characteristic in your life that allows you to stand out as a godly individual. The model of moral excellence is Christ, and virtue is a product of sanctification.
  • Knowledge is spiritual discernment, insight, and understanding of the truth in the word of God. This is required to pursue moral excellence.
  • Temperance is self-control. This is to not allow the desires of the flesh to direct your thoughts and actions, the opposite of lustful indulgence. Temperance is essential to Christian living, otherwise, we are no different than the Pagans.
  • Patience is perseverance and endurance under temptation without succumbing. This patience never gives in to difficulty or sin.
  • Godliness is reverence for God.  This is a practical awareness of God in every area of life. Godliness is at the heart of moral excellence.
  • Brotherly Kindness is loving your neighbor. This is the second most important commandment!
  • Charity is love, which is the greatest virtue and the most important commandment! Love of God results in love for our brother, and our attainment of the other six qualities.

If these things are evident in your life, then you will be an effective witness to the truth and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift from God, but becoming a mature, exemplary disciple of Jesus requires effort.

Joyous Gratitude

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Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

We rejoice because of what we know to be true about God and his plan for us. We rejoice because everything is under his control, and he causes all things to work together for our good Read Romans 8:28 We rejoice because by his grace we have been saved from condemnation and made heirs to his kingdom. We rejoice for blessings we do not deserve and penalties we will not pay.

We are grateful for all these things! No matter our circumstance, we give thanks to God because our salvation is eternal, while the trials of this life are temporal. We are grateful for the ridiculous volume of blessings that have been showered down upon us.  We are grateful that we were drawn to believe. We are grateful because every good thing in our life has come from him.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

A hallmark of the godly person is joy and gratitude! Being joyfully grateful is a wonderful and effective witness to the love of God and clear evidence of a transformed life.

Awake and Alert

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Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 

I like the New American Standard translation . . . Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love. There is a lot packed in this short verse about competence in living a consequential Christian life.

  • Watch ye – to be alert, awake, and to know what is going on. Be aware of what the adversary is doing and what is going on in your life. Do not exist in a spiritual stupor where you fall prey to Satan, temptation, apathy, or false doctrine.
  • Stand fast in the faith – to be firm in what you believe and what you know to be true. Do not let human wisdom infect and twist your faith. The lies and garbage of the world are incompatible with the revelation of God. 
  • Quit you like men – to act like men. That is to be mature and courageous. Do not be childish in your understanding of the word.   
  • Be strong – be strengthened by the lord and the power of his might. Resist temptation and be resolute in seeking and following the will of God.
  • Let all your things be done with charity – Do all this with an attitude of love – a love that is not an emotion but self-sacrificing service to the one in need. We should complement a staunch defense of the faith with brotherly love.

Being spiritually alert, steadfast, mature, and strong in love will make you what God wants you to be. Living by these principles results in a powerful, transformed life. Those who remain spiritually stunted, oblivious to the pursuit of the faith, are at great risk of being devoured by our adversary.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8