Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:5, KJV)
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9, KJV).
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him ..... (Hebrews 7:25, KJV)

As we can see from the above scriptures, Christianity isn't a religion, it's a fellowship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And it comes about by trusting in Him. He proved His love for us by laying His life down to save us from the consequences of our sins. Now He's committed to saving us from the power that sin has over us. He wants to teach us how to cope with life in a world crippled by sin. He overcame the world (John 16:33), and He calls us to come to Him so that He can make us overcomers too.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, KJV)

In biblical times, farmers trained an inexperienced animal by yoking it to one that was more mature. The practised animal taught the younger one the art of pulling a heavy load with a minimum of effort. It was a common sight, and this is the picture that the Lord Jesus had in mind. He wants to teach us how to cope with the burdens of life, so that they won't weigh us down.

However, pride keeps us stubbornly struggling along. Some of us have to reach breaking point before we're prepared to give up our battle of independence. But once we've yoked ourselves to Christ, we discover how foolish we've been. To our surprise, we find that we've lost nothing and have gained everything. Fellowship with Him enables us to know the meaning of true fulfillment. He's the best companion anyone could wish for, and as He walks with us through life, He teaches us His ways. Soon our relationship takes on an intimacy that blossoms into an absolute devotion to the One who not only died for us, but who now lives for us too.

After a while we come to realize the secret of His ability in coping with adversity. It's the practice of acceptance, sometimes called "dying to self" (Luke 9:23). So we try to stop pulling in the other direction. And as we struggle to give up our old, destructive habits and submit to His ways, He gives us the grace that we need to do this. Sometimes we slip and stumble, but He never fails us. Then, to our amazement and overwhelming gratitude, we find that we're starting to develop His inner strength and serenity.

That's what the Christian life is all about. It's a daily walk yoked to Christ our Saviour. He is our dearest friend, our constant companion, and the One who always understands. He's already travelled the road that we're walking now, and He teaches us to cope with life's burdens in a way that gives us inner peace.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5.24, KJV).

CONCLUSION

It is impossible to find salvation merely through involvement in religious activities. That is not the way that God in His wisdom has provided for us. And Christ gives the following warning to those who believe that their religious works will guarantee their salvation:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23, KJV)

What Christ is implying here is that it is not enough to devote our lives to religious works, even if we do them in His name. He wants us to actually commit ourselves to a personal relationship with Him, where our level of intimacy is such that His ongoing influence in our lives will begin to change us from the inside out.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV)

Paul, who is a wonderful example of a committed Christian, explains his relationship with Christ in these words:

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. (Galations 2:10-21, NASB)

So now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:20-21, KJV)

The Bible likens the relationship between Christ and those who are His to that of a groom and His bride. (Revelation 19:7, Ephesians 5:23-30). In other words they have become as one, bonded in love, trust and faithfulness.

Church membership cannot and does not save us, because salvation is by grace, through faith in Christ alone. Nevertheless we need to remember the Bible's exhortation not to give up gathering together with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). We need Christian fellowship. And the Christian life is very much easier when we have the support and encouragement of other believers.

If you have only just committed your life to Christ and are not already in a church that teaches straight out of the Bible, it is strongly recommended that you find one, preferably nearby to where you live.

You are most welcome to contact the writer, who will be glad to hear from you and will assist you in every way possible. You will find me at:

response@bibtruth.com

The first four links will take you to the previous chapters of this booklet, and the last link leads to the next:

Chapter 1, Why Do We Need Salvation?
Chapter 2, What is the Cost of Salvation?
Chapter 3, What Does It Mean to be "Born Again?"
Chapter 4, Preparing for the Christian Journey

Chapter 6, The Christian's "Quiet Time"



Copyright 2009 by Yvonne Gibbs. All rights reserved.