Rules Or Relationship

When you think about the essence of Christianity, do you think about rules and regulations, God’s commandments, thou shall and thou shall not, or do you think about relationship? Well you should think relationship.

Just listen to what Jesus says in John 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Do you see? It's about knowing the Father and the Son, an intimate relationship with God. The gift of the forgiveness of sins and the glory of going to heaven when you die is not wrapped up in keeping all of God’s commandments; you can’t earn your way to heaven. Instead, it’s about putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross on your behalf, which is why it’s all about relationship. It’s all about knowing Jesus as your Savior and Your Lord. And what's amazing is that it’s all about relationship for Him as well. Later in John 17, Jesus prays, “Father, I desire that they, whom you have given Me, may be with Me where I am to see My glory.” So Jesus’ desire is for us to be with Him in heaven for all eternity. Do you see? Christianity is not primarily about rules. It’s about a relationship with Jesus.

Something to think about from the Proclamation point of view.