Religion Versus Relationship

One of the most maligned and misunderstood terms is the word Christian. Many people say they are Christian, yet their actions and beliefs are all different. Possibly the only point of agreement is their belief in Jesus Christ and who He is, although there is disagreement about Jesus' identity even among those who claim to be Christians.

Why do you suppose there are so many opinions about Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian? This diversity probably exists because we depend on our ideas and not on the scriptures. Therefore, we have as many ideas as there are people, each having varied experiences and each under the influence of some religious teaching or lack thereof. If we come to understand that religion is human efforts to reach God by doing various activities or works to please Him, and get His attention, then, yes, there are a variety of religions and explanations of what Christianity is. So what is it really?

Suppose we could agree on one idea of who Jesus Christ is and what it means to be a Christian. I want to suggest a way to do that is to acknowledge that being called a Christian is a statement of relationship, not a religious term, but a covenant relationship with Christ. You see, Christ made a great exchange, an agreement with us that made such a relationship possible. He exchanged His robe of righteousness, left His heavenly domain and all that was His for the salvation of our humanity and all it entails. He offered us His own life for ours, His gracious offer still stands.

Why would God allow His Son to do such a thing and how do I know this happened? The scriptures tell us Jesus came to make the way to His Father possible through His sacrifice on the cross. Jesus is called "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world". Christ's death was the Father's plan from the beginning. When we understand this, we realize He was not murdered, as some say, rather He gave up His life. If you are curious at all about this exchange and the relationship Jesus wants to have with you, quit listening to other peoples' version of who Jesus is and read it for yourself in the Bible. You will need to put on "spiritual glasses" to understand these things. To get a clear view of this truth, pray that God's Holy Spirit will show you what you long to understand. Your very longing is a precious gift from God. So come, meet Christ, the way the Father has made to heaven, (John 14:6). Right now is a great time to do that. Doma