By Dr. Donald Whitchard
So, what exactly is Biblical Christianity? I am not talking about the fancy robes, rituals, traditions, or recitation of prayers and confessions that you don’t really mean nor understand. It is not a series of monotonous and tired sermons that do nothing more than take up time on Sundays or a kind of “pep talk” to give your ego a boost for the upcoming week. It is certainly NOT the ridiculous and frankly blasphemous performances of hucksters on TV and online who are attempting to sell the idea that following Jesus is a guaranteed successful formula for getting what you want out of life, such as money and possessions if you will only send a “Seed-faith gift of $_____” to their so-called “ministry”. The Word of God and the true work of spreading the Gospel should not result in the celebrity preacher getting to purchase a new mansion or jet or some such nonsense while you are left confused and bitter about not getting the healing they promised, or the “financial breakthrough”, or other magical mystery tour they said would be yours. All these people and procedures I have listed do nothing to honor, glorify, or lift high the name and person of the Sovereign LORD God Almighty, His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the person and work of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 1:11-17, 3:12, 56:11; Ezekiel 34:2-3; John 10:12; Acts 20:28-31; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:12-22; Jude 1-25).
I do hope that you will continue to read what I have written, for it is done in order to show you that real Christianity begins not with complex ideas, formulas, or anything we can do in our own strength or efforts to make ourselves “good” before God, because we are unable to do so (Romans 1:18-32, 3:10-18; Ephesians 2:8-10). It is not merely knowing something about Jesus or agreeing with most of the world that He was a “good teacher” or a role model of morals and ethics, or a peasant sage of His times, or a host of other ideas that have spread around the world over time.
Christianity is based on the Bible’s claims and eyewitness proofs (John 14:6, 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:16-21) that Jesus Christ is God Almighty come in the flesh with the purpose of taking our sins and wicked behavior upon Himself as a total and complete sacrifice by dying on the cross and being raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-8) in order that we may have eternal life with Him and real peace (John 3:16). Let me present a basic layout of God’s plan to rescue us from our sins and the coming judgment of this world for its wicked behavior (Acts 17:30-31).
1) It is a fact that despite everything you have done, said, or thought throughout your life, even your unbelief itself, that the Sovereign LORD God Almighty does love you (Jeremiah 31; 3; John 3:16).
2) However, you must swallow your pride and any thoughts that you can make yourself right before God in your own way (Romans 3:23). You must admit that you are a sinner facing God’s judgment at the end of your life (Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11-15). There are only two places that you will end up in after you take your final breath, either heaven or hell (Luke 16:19-31). There are no other options and do not even think that all you will end up with after death is the opportunity to provide fertilizer for the grass and flowers (Luke 12:13-21). You will be held accountable for your life, whether you like it or not, and if you are not right with God ON HIS TERMS, you’ll pay your sin debt for eternity in hell. Not good.
3) Without salvation in and only through Jesus Christ, you are dead in your sins (Romans 6:23). Dead people do nothing but stink. I was a hospital chaplain for years and I never watched anyone who had been pronounced dead in the Trauma Unit get up from the table, restart his heart and go for another round of living. Unless God intervenes and brings you to life, you cannot do a thing (John 6:44).
4) It is only through the merciful and gracious act of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross on your behalf that saves you, and nothing else (Romans 5:6-11). Read in the Scriptures how Jesus showed HIs compassion and concern for the people (Matthew 11:28-30) and brought them back to the loving arms of God the Father. Take the time to talk to Christian friends or relatives and ask them to tell you their testimony of how their lives were changed by Christ.
5) You can be saved, and do not let anyone or your circumstances tell you otherwise. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 5:10-13). Repent of your sins, ask Him to forgive you of your sins and save you. That’s it, nothing complicated or detailed. If you mean what you pray and ask in faith, you will become a true child of God and submit to His guidance and care (Acts 5:29).
After you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, tell someone. Second, find a solid, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring church and be a faithful member. Read and study the Bible each day (I recommend a modern version such as the New King James or English Standard). I always advise new Christians to read the Gospel of Luke and then the book of Acts to get the basic foundations. There are also resources such as this website to help you grow and mature in your new life in Christ.
Welcome to the family of God, and I look forward to meeting you when we are eternally gathered around His throne in the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21-22).