Accept Christ?

 

Maybe you’ve heard some evangelical Christians talk about “accepting Christ”, and maybe the idea sounded a little strange to you.  After all, why would you want or need to “accept Christ”?

 

1. Isn’t it better for each person to do what he/she thinks is best?

Unfortunately, we human beings are not omniscient, omnipresent, nor omnipotent.  We don’t know everything, we can’t be everywhere, we don’t have unlimited power.  Since we can’t see the future, nor the real consequences of our actions, we are not in the best position to judge what is right, or even best for us.  It would be more intelligent to leave that decision to God – who beyond having all those qualities we don’t, also loves us and wants the best for us.

 

“There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

(Pv. 14:12)

 

2. I never killed anybody, never stole: I lead a decent life.  Isn’t that enough?

Then you are in a situation similiar to that of a young man Jesus met.  The Wealthy Young Man (Mt. 19:16-26) came to Jesus and told Him that since his youth he had followed all the commandments; he then asked Christ what else he needed to do to have eternal life.  To his surprise, Jesus told him that he should distribute all his belongings among the poor, and follow Him.  The young man, being very rich, was saddened and went away.  It would be simplistic to say that this story tells us only about the difficulty of the rich, although it does have that application.  More importantly, the story teaches us that it is not good works which gain eternal life for us, but rather the moment in which we leave all and follow Christ.  Not that God is injust: quite the contrary, he is the Righteous Judge (2 Tm. 4:8), and for that very reason cannot accept the imperfect works we bring Him.  For none of us, no matter how good, can be perfect.  Our salvation is in Christ, who, being perfect, died to pay the price of our sins.

 

“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law [perfectly obeying the commandaments], then Christ is dead in vain.”

(Gl. 2:21)

 

3. But I already consider myself a Christian – I don’t understand this insistence on “accepting” Him.

The decision for Christ, as we saw in the case of the wealthy young man, is a profound change in attitude.  It isn’t merely believing intellectually that He is the Son of God – for that even the demons believe (Jm. 2:19, Mt. 8:29).  It also isn’t merely liking Him, without any further committment – that would be the case of the Wealthy Young Man.  Certainly it is more than leading a “religious” life – Christ’s strongest criticisms were directed toward the Farisees who lived on empty religious ritual, but didn’t know intimately “the Scriptures, nor the power of God” (Mt. 22:29).  The decision for Christ means recognizing that your own efforts will not bring you eternal life, and that He came to the world to die for your sins.  Since God’s respect for your free will is so great as to extend even to your salvation, accepting Christ means asking Him to become your Saviour, and also the Lord of your life.  It is recognizing His sovreignty and love, and placing your life entirely in His hands, promising to obey Him despite the tribulations which may come. 

 

“And when He had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, Whosovere will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

(Mk. 8:34)

 

 

4.  I think that I already feel this in my heart – is it necessary to formalize my decision, going to the front of a church?

Well, the fact of being in a church or not doesn’t affect your decision at all.  Although many people reach this moment in a church service, in the presence of many, it is actually a moment between you and Christ.  It has the same validity if you live it in your home, alone.  (Needless to say, if there is no sincerity in your heart, a thousand witnesses cannot help you.)  Wherever you may be, it is fundamental to formalize your decision with a prayer.  Don’t worry, God won’t care about your eloquence or lack thereof: what He will value is your attitude as you kneel before Him.  What more do parents desire, if not sincere communication with their children?  Biblically, it is this prayer which will seal your salvation.

 

“That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”.

 (Rm. 10:9)

~

“My Lord, Jesus Christ, I recognize that I am a sinner and that my sin has separated me from you, in your perfect justice.  I understand that for love of me, You came to die in my place, and thereby give me Your eternal life.  I wish to receive this present, this gift of salvation: I want You to become my Saviour.  I can see that You are sovreign and that you reign with love, so I want you also to be my Lord.  Take my life in Your hands; from this day forward I will follow You.

~

 

5. What happens when I say this prayer?

1. There is joy in the presence of the angels  (Lk. 15:10)

2. Everything in you is made new (2 Co. 5:17)

3. Christ comes to live in you (Gl. 2:20)

4. You cease to be a mere creation, and become God’s child (Jo. 1:12)

5. Your sins are forgiven once and for all (Hb. 10:10)

6. Your salvation is guaranteed (Rm. 10:13)

 

6. Do I need to attend church?

No church can guarantee your salvation: only Christ can do that, through your prayer.  However, the Bible exhorts us to attend church, for we are like an ember, which out of the fireplace will quickly cool, but in the fireplace, in the company of others, will maintain its heat.  The church is a community of believers, and together we can help, support, teach, and love each other – as Christ taught us.  There are many good churches, with varied styles: look for one that matches your taste.  Just be certain that in that church the Word of God (which is the Bible) is frequently and faithfully taught.  Be tolerant with your brothers and sisters in Christ, who are all as human and imperfect as you are, but whom Christ loved and died for, as He died for you.  Maintain your gaze fixed on Christ, who is our hope, for one day He will come back to call us.

 

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

(Hb. 10:24-25)

 

Olivia Kathryn Aranda Lima /2003