As I rose to write this article the lyric of this hymn keeps flashing on my mind, and so it is used as the opening of this article:
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suff’ring and shame.
And I loved that old cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
And I loved that old cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown.
This is a question every right minded should ask, I will elucidate on the reasons why every souls must come to Christ under three sub headings
1. Who is a christian?
2. Why must I become a christian?
3. Consequences of not heeding to the call of Christ.
2. Why must I become a christian?
3. Consequences of not heeding to the call of Christ.
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
The word Christian comes from the Greek word Christianos which is derived from the word Christos or Christ, which means “anointed one.” A Christian, then, is someone who is a follower of Christ. The first use of the word “Christian” in the Bible is found in Acts 11:26, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” It is found only twice more in Acts 26:28 and 1 Pet. 4:16.
A christian is anyone – be it in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Nigeria or any other part of the world – who follows Christ that means he follow Christ in the way he is living his life according to the calls of the Christ and what is the call of the Christ.
Christianity teaches that there is only one God in all existence, that God is a Trinity, that Jesus Christ is God in flesh, that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, that Jesus died on the cross, and that Jesus rose from the dead in a glorified, physical body. The religion that contradicts any of these teachings is not Christian.
John 14:6. ” ……. I am the way, the truth and the life”
Matthew 11:28. “…come unto me all he who are weary and heavy laden….”
Matthew 19 :21. “……and come and follow me”
How can I follow Christ? Is it by going to Church, by praying five times a day, by singing in the choir? NO!! but by doing this mentioned below: John 3: 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Romans 10: 9 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.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2. WHY MUST I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
There is peace in this world, there are crises here and there, the poor crying for food , money and shelter while the rich are clamoring for security, good health, long life, the powerful men seek for prominence while the weaklings seek strength, married coupe seeking for child, the one with child did not have the wherewithal to cater for them. Indeed it is a miserable world we live in this world were to be our last hope then we are the most miserable according to bro Paul the Apostle.
You need to become a christian because there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. It is only the name of Jesus that bring salvation to the doorstep of your life. Act 4:12
It is only Jesus Christ that assured his followers eternal life john 11:25-26, mark 10:30, john 10:28, john 17:2-3.
No prophet could promised what Jesus promised for those who follow him, he said he is coming back to take us to himself john 14:1-3. Jesus is the coming just JUDGE why won’t you be in the camp of the judge? He is God who bore our sins,sorrows and he knew our infirmities and through his mercy via his blood we were pardoned and get forgiveness of our sins Isaiah 53:4:6, Hebrew 12:24, Matthew 26:28. Why must I go and join a loosing camp when I get all the promises and assurance in Jesus? Is it because of worldly pleasure, and enjoyment? They can only be for a moment the Lord Jesus is coming …
3. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT HEEDING THE CALL
Jesus said behold i stand at the door and knock Rev 3:20 will you open the door of your heart for the LORD to come in and dine with you? And be delivered from the shackles and bondage of religions that lead only to hell. But if anyone eventually dies without accepting Jesus despite all the grace and mercy extended to him then he to stand to be condemned already, he will have his part in the lake that burn with fire and sulfur which is the second death Rev 20:12-15
Shalom