The God Who Made You

The Bible is clear — this world isn’t random. Behind all things stands the one true God: eternal, all-powerful, perfectly good, and holy.

He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He created you — not by accident, but with purpose: that you might know Him, love Him, and live under His good design. That’s the very reason you exist. You weren’t made just to grind through life, chase career goals, or gather possessions. You were made to walk with the God who made you.

Now, something vital: God is not one-dimensional. He is both perfectly loving and perfectly just (Exodus 34:6–7; 1 John 4:8). His love doesn’t overlook sin, and His justice doesn’t cancel out His love. These two qualities are never in tension — they are united in His nature. And that matters for what comes next.

Our Real Problem

Here’s the truth we’d rather ignore: humanity has turned away. We were made to live under God’s rule, but we chose to run life our own way. The Bible calls that sin (Romans 3:23).

Sin isn’t just “messing up” or making mistakes. It is rebellion against God. It is a deliberate choosing of my way over His way. It is crowning myself as king or queen and pushing God off the throne of my life.

It shows up in a thousand ways:

Lying or twisting truth for self-protection or gain.
Cheating — on tests, at work, in taxes — because “everyone does it.”
Using people for advantage.
Tearing others down, whether online or in thought.
Making money, romance, family, or career the ultimate thing.
Sexual sin — pornography, hookups, adultery, or sex outside of marriage.
Turning to substitutes for God — whether horoscopes, charms, rituals, or whatever new form of ‘spirituality’ comes along.

At the root, sin is this declaration: “I want to be in charge, not God.”

The result? Sin separates us from Him. It places us under His just judgment. God’s Word — the Bible, or Scripture — says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) — not only physical death, but eternal separation from Him. God’s Word calls this hell (Revelation 20:14–15).

Hell is not a scare tactic — it’s reality. But hell is not the ultimate tragedy. The real tragedy of sin is being cut off from the God you were created to know and live for. That separation is the greatest loss.

How God Brings Love and Justice Together

God didn’t stand back while we self-destructed. Out of His love, He had already purposed a rescue. But because He is just, sin had to be dealt with — it couldn’t be ignored.

Both His justice and His love meet perfectly in one place: the cross of Jesus (Romans 3:25–26).

Who Jesus Really Is

Jesus is not just a moral teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Son of God — not created, but equal with the Father, existing forever (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15–17).

And yet He entered our world, taking on flesh (John 1:14). He became fully human while remaining fully God. He felt pain, faced temptation, knew sorrow — but He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). His life was completely aligned with the will of God.

He didn’t come merely to give advice. He came to rescue (Mark 10:45).

What Happened at the Cross

When Jesus went to the cross, it was not an accident of history. He willingly chose it (John 10:18).

Crucifixion was brutal, humiliating, and excruciating. But the deepest suffering was not the nails. It was that Jesus bore our sin (1 Peter 2:24).

Every lie, lust, idol, and betrayal was laid on Him as if He had committed them (2 Corinthians 5:21). And then the full justice of God — His holy wrath and judgment — fell on Jesus in our place (Isaiah 53:5–6).

That is the meaning of the cross: substitution. He took the punishment we could never pay, so that mercy could flow to us without God’s justice being compromised.

Jesus died so you could be forgiven, cleansed, reconciled to God, and welcomed into His family (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:21–22).

The Resurrection

Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave — not in theory, not in myth, not as a spirit, but physically. Many eyewitnesses saw Him after He was raised to life (1 Corinthians 15:3–6).

The resurrection is proof that He is who He said He is (Romans 1:4). Proof that sin and death were defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55–57). Proof that He lives — and still saves people today (Hebrews 7:25).

How You Must Respond

God is not offering a religious ritual, a quick fix, or a “ticket to heaven.” He calls you to respond to Him with repentance and faith (Mark 1:15).

These are not optional. They are two sides of the same coin.

Repentance

Repentance is not a vague feeling of guilt. It is not “trying harder.” It is a decisive turning. It means renouncing sin completely — choosing to be done with it, rejecting its rule, and surrendering your life to God (Acts 3:19). It is stepping off the throne and saying: “God, You alone are King.”

Half-repentance is no repentance. You cannot cling to sin and Christ at the same time. Repentance is a total change of direction: from sin toward God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

Faith

Faith means entrusting yourself wholly to Jesus. Not trusting in your own effort, not in rituals, not in “being good enough.” It is leaning fully on Him — trusting that His death fully paid the price for your sin, believing that God raised Him from the dead, and standing on the truth of the Bible (Romans 10:9–10).

Repentance and faith together mean this: giving your whole life to Jesus as Lord. Not for perks, not for a temporary fix, but as a complete surrender (Romans 12:1).

Counting the Cost

Jesus never tricked people into following Him. He never promised an easy road. In fact, He said the opposite:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

And again:

“Which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)

To follow Jesus is to lay down every claim to your own life. It means giving up control, surrendering your plans, your ambitions, your comforts, even your reputation. It is not half-hearted; it is total.

It may cost you relationships, opportunities, or acceptance in this world. You may face misunderstanding, ridicule, even persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Once more, you cannot cling to sin and to Christ at the same time.

Jesus does not call us to an easy road. He calls us to a narrow road (Matthew 7:13–14). But that road leads to life.

The Joy of Following Jesus

Here is the other side: Jesus is not just calling you to loss — He is calling you to gain.

Yes, the cost is real. But the reward is infinitely greater.

When you lose your old life for Christ, you find true life (Matthew 16:25). When you surrender, you discover freedom (John 8:36). When you walk with Him, you taste joy the world cannot offer (John 15:11).

Peace with God: No more guilt, no more separation. You are reconciled, forgiven, embraced as His child (Romans 5:1).
Purpose: Your life now has eternal weight and meaning. Every act of obedience, every moment of faithfulness matters forever (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Strength in weakness: He gives His Spirit to dwell in you, to comfort, empower, and guide (John 14:16–17).
Hope beyond death: Death no longer has the last word. Eternal life with Him is guaranteed (John 11:25–26).
Joy in trials: Even suffering becomes purposeful, because it draws you closer to Him and shapes you into His likeness (James 1:2–4; Romans 8:28–29).

Jesus said:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

That is the picture: surrendering everything is not a burden — it is joy, because what you gain in Christ is infinitely greater than what you give up (Philippians 3:7–8).

A Prayer of Response

Words themselves don’t save anyone. A specific prayer can’t magically make you right with God. Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ—by turning to Him in true repentance and faith. If your heart is genuinely ready to trust Him, prayer can be a way of expressing that surrender, almost like putting words to what’s happening inside.

Think of prayer here as a step of honesty before God. It’s not about the perfect wording or a formula to “get into heaven.” What matters is that you are genuinely turning away from sin, placing your faith in Jesus, and surrendering your life to Him. Many people have prayed different words, but the same reality was true: they were calling on Jesus from the heart, and He saved them.

If this is where you truly are, you might pray something like this:

“God, I confess that I have sinned and lived for myself. I turn away from my sin and surrender my life to You.
Jesus, thank You for dying in my place and rising again. I trust You alone to save me. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me new. From this day forward, I want to follow You as Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

These exact words aren’t the point. You could say them differently, more simply, or even just cry out, “God, save me!” What matters is the reality of your heart. Are you truly repenting—turning away from sin and self—and putting all your trust in Jesus alone? If so, He promises to forgive, cleanse, and give you new life (Romans 10:9–10, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9).

Don’t rest in having prayed a prayer. Rest in Christ Himself. Salvation is not about reciting lines, but about entering a living relationship with Jesus.

If You Have Trusted Christ

If you have truly turned to Him, you are now a child of God — not because of your effort, but because of His finished work (John 1:12).

Your past doesn’t cancel His promise. Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you. He will not forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

But hear this: the Christian life is not part-time. It is not a casual add-on. It is a whole-life surrender. Every area — your thoughts, relationships, choices, ambitions — comes under His lordship (Colossians 3:17). That’s the call. That’s discipleship.

Following Jesus is not easy. You will face temptation, opposition, and sometimes rejection. But you are not alone. Christ walks with you, and He gives you His Spirit to strengthen you (John 16:33).

Growing as a Believer

Your relationship with sin: You are no longer bound to sin (Romans 6:6). When you stumble, don’t excuse it, and don’t lower God’s standard. Confess it honestly (1 John 1:9), turn back to Him, and keep fighting. Repentance is not a one-time event — it is the daily posture of a disciple.
Your relationship with God: Pray every day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Read the Bible daily (Psalm 1:2). Start with the Gospels (Mark or John). Actively apply what you read (James 1:22).
Your relationship with the church: Do not go it alone. Join a faithful, Bible-preaching church (Hebrews 10:24–25). Be baptized as an act of obedience — not to save you, but to declare that you belong to Christ (Acts 2:38, 41).
Your focus: Don’t treat Jesus as a tool for success. Follow Him in both joy and trial. The goal is not earthly comfort, but knowing Him, becoming like Him, and glorifying Him (Philippians 3:10).

Common Lies to Reject

Thinking Jesus is just one god among many.
Believing good works or rituals earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Expecting faith to guarantee health, wealth, or ease.
Treating Christianity as a way to get blessings without surrender.
Believing everyone will be saved eventually (Matthew 7:13–14).
Assuming a one-time prayer without heart change is enough (Matthew 7:21).
Exalting human leaders above Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12–13).
Mixing nationalism or politics with the gospel.
Isolating yourself from other believers.

What You Can Do Next

Talk with God honestly and often (Philippians 4:6).
Read the Bible daily. Take notes. Apply what you read (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Join a faithful, gospel-preaching church.
Make things right where sin has caused damage — confess, restore, reconcile (Matthew 5:23–24).
Build daily habits: prayer, Scripture, fellowship, serving. Not to earn God’s love, but to grow in Christ.

A Word of Hope

Jesus died and rose to forgive you, free you, and make you new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The mark of a true disciple is this: knowing God, loving Him, obeying Him, and depending on His strength (John 14:15).

The One who gave His life for you now walks with you — and He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

FAQ: Common Questions

What if I stumble again?
You might. But there is forgiveness when you confess and turn back (1 John 1:9). The difference now is that you fight sin instead of embracing it. Don’t lower your standards. Even other professing Christians will normalize sin — but you're not called to be like other Christians. You're called to be like Jesus.

Does following Jesus mean I’ll never sin?
No. Sin may still tempt you, but it no longer rules you (Romans 6:14). A true follower resists sin and relies on the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness.

How do I know I’m really saved?
Evidence shows in a growing love for Christ and others, disdain for sin, obedience to Scripture, and perseverance in faith (1 John 2:3–6). Salvation produces transformation — it’s visible in your life, not just a feeling.

What if I don’t feel strong enough?
God gives His Spirit to strengthen and guide you (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26). Depend on Him through prayer and Scripture, not your own strength.

Do I have to join a church?
Yes. Christianity is not meant to be lived alone (Hebrews 10:25). God calls every believer into a local church family for growth, teaching, accountability, and worship.

But not every church is safe.
Some gatherings may call themselves churches but are spiritually dangerous. Here are red flags to watch for:

Red Flags – “Sugarcoated” churches:

Scripture is replaced with opinion, motivational stories, or cultural trends.
Sin is downplayed or normalized; God’s holiness is ignored.
Focus is on entertainment, wealth, personal experience, or celebrity leaders.
Teaching emphasizes self-help, prosperity, or easy faith over repentance and obedience.

Red Flags – “Hard-hearted” churches:

Leaders act superior or arrogant, making followers feel “less spiritual” if they don’t measure up.
Teaching emphasizes intellect, complex doctrine, or human ability more than love, humility, and obedience.
Community lacks warmth, encouragement, or genuine fellowship; people are measured up instead of cared for.

Marks of a faithful church:

The Word of God is central. Scripture is taught faithfully and clearly as God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2).
The gospel of Jesus Christ is foundational. Christ’s death and resurrection are central to all teaching (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
The people live as a family in Christ. Members show humility, love, and accountability, helping each other grow in holiness (John 13:34–35; Galatians 6:1–2).
Discipleship is serious. Believers are trained in obedience, knowledge of Scripture, and practical faith—not just attendance (Matthew 28:19–20).
Leaders meet biblical standards. Elders and pastors demonstrate godly character and maturity (1 Timothy 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9).
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed biblically. They are acts of obedience and public declaration of faith, not ways to earn salvation (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

Being discerning matters.
A faithful church points you to Christ, not to itself. Avoid any gathering that elevates personality, pride, self-focus, entertainment, or worldly values over Scripture. True Christianity combines pure, uncompromised biblical doctrine with love, humility, and genuine community.

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Thursday, August 11, 2022