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It
can truthfully be said, I think, that Christian discipleship begins (at
least for the adult believer) with an acceptance of Jesus Christ. But
what does it mean to "accept Christ"? We live in an age that
places little value on dogmatic principles and much emphasis on
"situational" ethics. Within the context of such a situation, what does
"accepting Christ" involve? I believe we can answer that question with a
five-fold response.
(1)
"Accepting
Christ" means taking him as a personal guide and leader to spiritual
greatness and dignity, while being "saved" from those materialistic
philosophies which say that our lives can be measured in terms of
"things".
(2)
"Accepting Christ" means putting his teachings and example at the center
of our lives, while being "saved" from the true hell of a
self-centered life ... thus becoming humble servants of God.
(3)
"Accepting Christ" means opening our hearts to a godly courage, while
being "saved" from all unreasonable fears that prevent us from being
"able to do all things in Christ".
(4)
"Accepting Christ" means finding Jesus Christ as our "key" to God - the
God of grace who forgives us of all sin and grants us a new life of
faith and commitment - while being "saved" from the allure of old
associations and sinful lifestyles.
(5)
"Accepting Christ" means realizing that God, in Christ, has done
for us that which we could never do for ourselves, namely, lifting us
above the despair of our own natures into the perfect rightousness which
is possible in Christ Jesus.
Have you
"accepted Christ" and been transformed into a "new creation"?
The door to such acceptance is always open. I ask
you to respond to the "truly amazing grace" of God as the Spirit of God
leads you.
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