LIFE’S GREATEST DECISION

What does it mean to be a Christian according to the Bible, and what is the most important decision in life?

• People often mistakenly believe they are Christians because of the 3 W’s:
  Wonder = They experienced something, felt something, or saw something.
  Water = They believe that having water poured on the body makes a person a Christian.
  Works = Many people in churches believe that “Doing more religious works will turn God’s head toward me, he will be impressed, and when he tallies up the total at the end of my good life, I’ll make it to heaven because of all my impressive deeds here on earth.”
• From a biblical perspective, Wonder, Water, and Works cannot eliminate God’s wrath, anger, and punishment for sin.
• It’s a crucial moment when someone realizes they are a sinner separated from God because of their sinful nature.
• Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
• God must punish sin because of His holiness. So what can we do?

• Because of God’s love, He knows that humanity cannot reach Him because He is holy; therefore, God came to humanity in the sinless man, Jesus the Christ, absorbed our sin on the Cross, and offers forgiveness to anyone drawn to God and who believes by faith.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.
• A true follower of Jesus Christ will develop new desires that come from God.
• Another piece of evidence is what the Bible calls “Fruit” in a person’s life. (Good works in life are NOT to be saved, but because of salvation, the person wants to do good works.)
  1. Desires – (inner promptings)
  2. Fruitfulness – (outside demonstrations)
• BEFORE CHRIST | Titus 3:4 Once, we, too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others, and they hated us.”
• AFTER CHRIST | Titus 3:4-7 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

1. Jesus (God with skin) initiated love.
   Romans 5:6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
2. Salvation is available through His mercy, not by works.
3. Our sins are washed away (Justified as if we had never sinned).
4. We will never have to stand before God’s courtroom and hear, “Guilty.”
   Romans 4.25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
   Romans 5.1-2 1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I know that the penalty of my sin is physical, spiritual, and eternal death. I acknowledge that I can’t do anything about my situation. But I know that You came to pay the penalty for my sin. I trust in You alone as the One who died in my place. I repent of my sin and trust in You alone as the only One who can place me in an eternal relationship with the living God. I desire to be Your child. I desire to live as Your child. In Your name. Amen.

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