The Christian faith is not a religion but a relationship. Jesus came at Christmastime to come into our lives when the Holy Spirit prompts us to listen to His words and accept that He is the Redeemer of our souls, the Savior of the world, and the one prophesied about in the Old Testament. One key verse in John’s gospel is: “For God so loved the world that He sent his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life.” It is a relationship.
Christianity is unique. Other faith systems demand that man tries to please the gods in charge by carrying out rituals or meeting demands created by men, not the gods themselves. They demand seeking that god’s approval.
Christianity is unique. God seeks us. No amount of good works assures us God’s favor. He doesn’t need or demand those. All he wants is our hearts and He takes pleasure in communicating with us through prayer. God doesn’t need us, but we need God.
Yes, good works will follow in thanksgiving to what God has given us, our salvation. We can’t earn “brownie points” with God, yet we long to hear Jesus say when we have lived out our lives, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
God gives us the best inheritance possible: we are adopted into the family, and He can be our source of strength.
Today’s advent verse:
Whoever has my commandments and keeps them,
he it is who loves me.
And he who loves me
will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him
and manifest myself to him.
John 14:21-22
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