A Christian is someone who believes in the truth of Jesus Christ, as revealed in God’s Bible.
To explain a little more:
There is one great God, who made all things – and that is obvious when we look at the complexity and wonder of nature around us. (Romans 1:20)
Although there are many lovely things in this world, we all know that there is something horribly wrong: death, disease, hatred, wars, abuse, broken relationships, lying and deceit. The Bible, which was written by God, explains to us the truth of why these things are so, and the real solution to all this misery.
God made the world perfect, but humans cursed this world by rebelling against God – and that is the reason why everything is so bad and won’t get any better.
But God has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world (about 2000 years ago) to live a perfect life, and then to take the punishment for all the rebellion and evil men and women do against God. If we believe (as Christians do) in this perfect work of Jesus, God mercifully forgives us of our evil and wickedness. He powerfully enables us to begin to live for Him and enjoy Him (instead of living for ourselves, which is selfish and miserable).
Jesus is both God and man, and He not only died for all His people, but He rose again from the dead, and now is the King in heaven, ruling over all things. Jesus is God and Judge, and one day we will need to answer to him in His courtroom.
If we believe in His amazing love, mercy and work, then we will be saved from our evil, but also we will have perfect life forever, without any wrong or evil or misery anymore, in a new heaven and earth.
This is the truth every one of us needs to hold, if we would turn away from death and misery, and have joy and peace in life.
Want to dig deeper? Explore some of the vital truths that guide the Christian life.
Rev. David Torlach
Brisbane EPC