Life as a Christian

To live as a Christian, is to live FOR Christ! Every teaching, viewpoint, explanation, mindset, habit etc., that alienates us from Christ, prohibits or prevents the following of Christ, which doesn't require the love of God, of Jesus Christ and of other people, that is not constantly changing me into His image, is a false teaching, regardless of what it is called and regardless of its point of view. A life at peace with God is not just reserved for special Christians. There are two types of Christians: The genuine, and those who aren't! The Biblical criteria for this is exclusively the new birth (John 3:5+8; John 1:13). From God's view there are only Christians and non-Christians! A blessed life only comes through God's grace, found in Jesus Christ, and is salvation available to all people. It enables us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts. It brings about a sober-minded, righteous and godly lifestyle. How? Through the blessed hope we have through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who justifies and sanctifies us as His own. That is with regard to us who, through our faith in Jesus Christ, are born again. A life as a Christian includes faith and works (James 2:14-26). Faith and works are inseparable. It is two sides of the same coin!

It is not stated anywhere that faith and/or works is wrought through our own strength, but only that they are inseparable. It is quasi our entrance into an effortless life cycle! It concerns love (1 John 4:7-21). That is what we are called for. Whoever is loved deeply is able to reciprocate with love. Perfect love is possible only in the lives of those born of God. We read this in 1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love Him, because He first loved us.” God loves us – whom do we love? How can we accomplish this: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, gentleness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, the peace of God, gratitude, God's Word, teaching, admonishing, singing... (Colossians 3:1-17) The end of the commandment is love (1 Timothy 1:5). In Galatians 5:6 Paul writes “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” For this reason this is the main issue in the life of a Christian – Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Amen.

Roland Schaufler