“Tell me how to do it, don’t tell me what it means.” I heard that one morning on a DIY show and the waterfall of thoughts began as to how it applies in our religious lives.
“Tell me how to become a Christian,” so many people begin. A high percentage of Christians are at least paused by the question. Where to begin? Many opt for the Roman Road. Verses which tell us that all have sinned and come short; that sin is to be not only acknowledged but repented; that God provided salvation through His son; accepting God’s gift of love and forgiveness results in eternal life with Him.
Others look upon that as a simplistic view and Christianity can be hard and painful labor. Many speak of trials and tribulations, testing and thorns. As many speak of burdens lifted and blessings received, beauty and benevolence.
Both viewpoints are correct, most likely occurring within the same life, often concurrent.
Telling how to do it doesn’t come close to telling what it means. Paul told a jailer how to do it:
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31 KJV)
That is true. God has promised salvation. But there is so much more. The new Christian may not realize he must:
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV)
We will face setbacks:
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: (2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV)
When wondering about what it means, spend some time with Titus 2 – where young and old, men and woman, are taught how, and told why:
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:11-15 KJV)
So, that’s “how to do it,” but the important thing is “what it means” to you.
“Tell me how to become a Christian,” so many people begin. A high percentage of Christians are at least paused by the question. Where to begin? Many opt for the Roman Road. Verses which tell us that all have sinned and come short; that sin is to be not only acknowledged but repented; that God provided salvation through His son; accepting God’s gift of love and forgiveness results in eternal life with Him.
Others look upon that as a simplistic view and Christianity can be hard and painful labor. Many speak of trials and tribulations, testing and thorns. As many speak of burdens lifted and blessings received, beauty and benevolence.
Both viewpoints are correct, most likely occurring within the same life, often concurrent.
Telling how to do it doesn’t come close to telling what it means. Paul told a jailer how to do it:
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:31 KJV)
That is true. God has promised salvation. But there is so much more. The new Christian may not realize he must:
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:11-12 KJV)
We will face setbacks:
So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: (2 Thessalonians 1:4 KJV)
When wondering about what it means, spend some time with Titus 2 – where young and old, men and woman, are taught how, and told why:
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:11-15 KJV)
So, that’s “how to do it,” but the important thing is “what it means” to you.
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