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Why is Jesus so important?
In the last ten
issues of Signal we have addressed a range of typical reservations
about the Christian faith (see sidebar). As faith can never truly be
rationalised, the subject is an endless one. We will continue to give
answers to tough questions in the future but here I would like to
answer a specific query posed by a friend after reading this column:
"Why is Jesus so important?" Now there’s a good question...
It is tempting to summarise the importance of Jesus Christ by quoting
his statement that he is "the way and the truth and the life. No one
comes to the father except through me." (John 14:6) The trouble here is
that many see this assertion as highly controversial today. People get
angry and insist that Christianity is narrow-minded.
As a follower of Jesus, I could argue that there is such a thing as
‘truth’. And that truth can itself be narrow - the truth is
that if I jump off a high building I will die. As we have seen in
previous articles, there are more than 600 historical prophecies and
predictions in the Bible that have come true. Moreover, Jesus is the
only major religious leader who claimed to be God and the only one who
has been raised from the dead.
But my sceptical friend was looking for a practical answer –
‘what’s in it for me’. In this sense perhaps the
answer as to why Jesus is so important is that he helps us deal with
our past, present and future.
The Past: The Power of Forgiveness
Modern psychiatry recognises that guilt, hatred, bitterness and
resentment are among the main causes of mental problems. The fact that
human beings have a conscience makes us unique… And very
vulnerable. A new relationship with Jesus offers a chance to be
completely and 100% forgiven for all our wrong choices. "There's
nothing done or said that can't be forgiven.” (Matthew 12.31 The
Message).
It is not a human judge but God who has ultimate authority when it
comes to the forgiveness of sins. When you have a relationship with
Jesus and put yourself under his guidance, you are forgiven for all
wrongs.
The present: Hope, Joy and Peace
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away
with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real
rest." These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 (The Message).
When God created human beings, his original plan was that we would love
him and live with him forever in reverence. However, given the power of
choice, humans chose to disobey God. This resulted in their spiritual
death (separation from God) and a life that is often painful and
difficult. Some 2000 years ago, God made a way for human beings to have
a new relationship with him via the sacrifice and resurrection of
Jesus.
Although Christians still have the same problems in daily life as
anyone else, they can handle them better because they are reconnected
with God. They have the power, love and hope that Jesus gives. By
communicating frequently with God in prayer, Christians can trust that
he is the beginning and the end. Nothing is more peaceful.
The Future: Eternity with God
Another thing that makes humans unique is our awareness of time and our
own mortality. Nonetheless, in a society where many people pride
themselves on living from day-to-day, the most important reason for
believing in Jesus is often the one least discussed. Although the Bible
continuously talks about death, we prefer to focus solely on life. Yet
the only thing that is inevitable in life is that you will die. Not
considering the options as to what happens when you die really doesn't
make sense. Jesus promises us a very specific destination when we die.
Heaven is a home for eternity!
Free of charge
Amazingly, the wonderful promises made by God come completely free of
charge. Forgiveness of the past, peace in the present and paradise in
the future are all within our grasp from the moment we enter a
relationship with Jesus. What are you waiting for my friend? |
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Adapted from “How to talk about Jesus with the sceptics in your life,” by Ralph Muncaster. |
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