No one has to be a Christian just like me or anybody else. You are unique… you be you.
I have encountered believers who believed a certain way; for example, that you aren’t born again until you’ve been water baptized by emersion. I didn’t agree with the person and our relationship became very cold going forward, from his end, not mine.
There are certain doctrines that we should all agree on; such as the divinity of Jesus Christ, the fact that you must be born again of the spirit, plus all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, to name just a few (there are more for sure).
The peripheral topics, like speaking in tongues, healings, miracles, to name a few, are not what I refer to as “heaven or hell” issues. Whether you believe these things or not will have no impact on where your eternal destination will be. But some folks don’t even agree with that idea. Some are very judgmental regarding biblical doctrines that has no eternal value. I believe that may have something to do with why people despise Christians so much. Like most people with different beliefs, they are often times grossly misunderstood. That is exactly what the enemy desires, for people of this world to be at each other’s throats.
The fact of the matter is that as followers of Christ we are never to compare ourselves to ANYONE else this side of heaven... ever. The one we must compare ourselves to is Almighty God. HE has set the standard that we are to live by. HE is the One who can forgive sins. HE is the One who can punch our ticket to glory land. No one else has that ability and they certainly don’t have the authority. The Lord offers peace and contentment in exchange for obedience. My question is this: Would you rather do your own thing, beholden to no one, or would you rather follow His perfect plan and gain eternity with Him? Christ didn’t die a gruesome death on a cross for no reason. It was God’s plan from the beginning of time to save that which was lost, and Jesus Christ was the appointed cornerstone that would bring that about.
There is no disgrace admitting that you can’t make it on your own. God loves you and His desire is for you to enjoy the blessings that come from knowing Him. Eternity is the byproduct of knowing Him intimately and living a life that is pleasing to Him. There is no future for those who attempt to go it alone. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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