Some important statements from Jesus and His disciples

* I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Although our modern culture has continued the habit of creating a wide variety of gods and gurus to suit our selfish, sinful lifestyles, the eternal truth remains unchanged: there is but one God, the creator of all who requires fallen mankind to come back into right standing with Him through the sacrifice of His blameless son Jesus the Christ.

* Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

Contrary to the concept of joining churches and religious organisations, which is promoted throughout all sorts of religions as an entry into God's kingdom, Jesus presents God's actual requirement as being: a transformed life in our human spirit, which is subsequently outworked through our daily life. We can not just join Christianity or God's kingdom, we must present ourselves to God through Jesus and ask Him to revolutionise our inner, then outer, person.

* Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Pet 1:23

Peter points out the vehicle that God uses to transform the inner, then outer, being of those that seek after Him: it is the Word of God. The Bible is the written (logos) Word of God, penned by prophetic people as they were inspired by God's Spirit. The Word becomes powerfully active when it changes from just words on a page to spiritual life in the heart of people who are hungry for Him.

* So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom 10:17

Faith is the spiritual force that causes a person to believe and trust in, cling to and follow the one true God. It is the connecting point to God for any who will turn to Him, and it is a direct product of His Word coming alive in the heart of those that seek Him.

* Repent and turn to God, and do works suitable for repentance. Acts 26:20

If someone is going to seek God through His life giving Word in order to have their inner man recreated, there will first be evidence of a desire to turn towards Him and seek Him. Repentance means a literal reversal, and in this context speaks of a person who was not seeking God, turning in their heart and actions to go after Him and His truth.

* Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. Mark 8:34-35

It is well worth counting the cost of being a disciple of Jesus before making a profession of loyalty to Him. Although salvation is not something that we can earn by our own good deeds, or low level of wrong doing, Jesus does put the prerequisite that we give up our life in order to receive His.

To know more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus grab a Bible and ask God to help you find your way to eternal life. The gospel of John is a good place to start to get a good picture of what He is about and what He requires.

If you have any questions or would like some help with your journey to the centre of God's heart, just drop us a line at: info@christisall.org