Below is the concise view of the essence of Christianity, more fully presented in the Four Spiritual Laws – the most popular presentation of the essence of Christianity in the world. In Poland, the Oasis Movement has grown up on Four Spiritual Laws and in the world – largest Christian student movement CRU (MT 28 in Poland) operating at universities in 191 countries (CRU on Wikipedia).
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“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.’ (Jesus, Gospel of John 3) “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.‘ (Jesus, Gospel of John 10)
God loves you and has a wonderful plan for you – a life of full value and purpose. He is ready to teach you to dream and make your best dreams come true.
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“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ (St. Paul, Letter to Romans 3)
There is an obstacle. Man is rebellious and, consequently, separated from God, therefore he cannot know or experience God’s love and fullness of life.
“For the wages of sin is death.’ (St. Paul, Letter to Romans 6)
Man was created to have fellowship with God, but he chose the path of independent life. As a result, relationship with God was broken. This self-will, expressed in rebellion or indifference to God, is a manifestation of what the Bible calls sin.
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“Christ… suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…’ (St. Peter, 1 Peter 3) ‘…He was raised on the third day…’ (St. Paul, 1 Corinthans 15)
God has bridged the gap that separates us from him, by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us, thus paying the penalty for our sins.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’ (Jesus, Gospel of John 14)
Jesus Christ is the only solution to the problem of rebellion and guilt of a man. Through Him you can come back to the relationship with God and experience the fullness of life.
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‘He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 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.’ (St. John, Gospel of John 1)
However, intellectual knowledge of the above truths is not enough. We need to receive Jesus, that is, give Him back our life as His property.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.’ (St. Paul, Letter to Ephesians 2)
We receive Jesus by faith. Giving life to Christ requires faith (trust). Faith and its effect – salvation – are God’s gift. You can’t deserve it.
Jesus Christ says: “I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’ (Book of Revelation 3)
We receive Jesus by inviting Him personally into our lives. The two circles in the illustration depict two attitudes of man towards God. Inside is the throne that symbolizes our decision-making place, our will.
Left circle: My – Self is on the throne of life, † – Christ not invited to live. Right circle: † – Christ on the throne of life, Me – the man gave the throne of his life to Christ.
Which circle best represents your life? • Does the second circle represent the life you desire?
You can invite Jesus through prayer. Here is an example:
Christ, I need you! I admit my sinfulness. Thank you for paying for my sins by dying on the cross for me. I open you the door of my life and invite you to come in. I recognize all my life as Your property and I put it into Your hands to do whatever You can, including salvation. I trust only You and do not rely on my own merits. Change me into whom you want me to be.
Do these words express the desire of your heart? • If so, what stands in the way of directing them to Christ?