Out of all of the religions of the world, why should I follow after Jesus alone?

The Bible tells us that Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, answered that question this way: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” John, chapter 6, verses 68-69, (John 6:68-69).

Jesus, Himself, made it clear that exclusively following after Him was the way of hope when He said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me!” (John 14:6)

The Bible, God’s Holy Word describes all men and women as having done, said, or thought things that have been sinful and wrong in the eyes of God. These have separated us from God’s eternal love and presence.

Left to ourselves, we would face the full force of God’s wrath and judgment when we die; for although God is loving, He is not only loving. He is also righteous, perfect, holy, and unable to abide sin in His presence.

Something has to be done to remove the sin from us. Our good works can not do it, because we could never balance the scales into our favor because our evil deeds are far too numerous!

But there is a rescuer, a deliverer, a Savior, and His name is Jesus. Jesus, as God’s Son, became flesh, lived a perfect life, healed many, performed many miraculous signs, and then completed His mission on earth by giving His life in our place. That’s right, though He did not commit one sin, He paid the penalty, the punishment, for all the sins of those who believe in Him.

And then to prove that God’s power was really His own, He was raised from the dead three days later as proof of His victory over sin, death and even Satan!

We all need this Savior! The question is, do you see your need? Are you tired of trying to rid your heart and mind of guilt? Then stop trying! Begin trusting in Jesus. As God leads you, start in this way:

1. Admit your need for such a rescue as described above. (“For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 and “Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.” Ephesians 2:3)

2. Repent – that is, turn away from your sinful ways, turn away from focusing only on yourself, and begin to look to God. (“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3 and “. . . declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Acts 26:20)

3. Believe and Confess Jesus as your Lord and Master, trusting that His work on the Cross was sufficient to bring you in right relationship with God both now, and for all eternity. (“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12 and “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” Romans 10:9-10)

   Here, be encouraged, “For the Scriptures say ‘Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed’. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved’” Romans 10:11-13

Now, as a believer in Christ Jesus, your life will change and you need to grow in your walk with God.

Therefore . . .

1. Seek other Christians by finding a church that teaches the Bible as God’s Word. Certainly we would love for you to come to GCBC, but if distance or other issues are a factor, find a church in your area and begin to study God’s word and begin to make friends with other followers of Christ.

2. Read the Bible and Pray on your own. As much as you need other believers, you also need to begin learning how to build the relationship with God Himself on an individual basis. The Gospel of John in the Bible, is a great place to begin.

3. Begin to live in such a way that God gets much attention and praise in your life.
   The things we’ve said here are just a very brief overview of why we follow after Jesus, and how to begin to receive and respond to the gift of a relationship with Him.

If there are more questions that you have, or if you would like some written material, or if you would like to talk with someone personally about the issues raised here, please contact us! We would consider it a special honor to help in any way that we can.