Volume 1 Lawrence, Kansas November 1961 Number 11
This question is not asked often enough by non-Christians nor is it answered as often as it should be by those who are Christians. Therefore, it behooves those teaching Christianity, both by word and deed, to give a clear, definite answer as to "Why I Am A Christian."
Being human, subjects us to two ways of life—that of sin through Satan, or that of righteousness through Christ; for Jesus teaches us there are just two paths to walk—the broad way that leads to destruction, and the narrow way that leads to eternal life—Matthew 7:13, 14. We can have the sweetest joys on earth, or we can have the bitterest sorrow. Eternally we can live in joy, peace and happiness, or we can suffer eternal agony in that fire prepared for the devil and his angels. The choice most definitely is ours. Where will we spend eternity?
The reasons for being a Christian far outweigh the reasons for not being one. The pleasures of sin, though only for a season, will doom us eternally. The non-Christians must go to the grave "having no hope" and being "without God in the world"—Ephesians 2:12. Being a Christian means that we can escape from all the eternal consequences of sin, for "the wages of sin is death"—Romans 3:23.
God gave his only begotten Son that "whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life"—John 3: 16. God's greatest desire is to bring man to repentance. The sacrifice of Christ was made and the debt was paid in order to reveal to man the value that God places on man's soul. Man's soul is more precious to God than all the rest of God's creation. The love God has for man caused him to give the most precious possession he had—his only Son, that we might have eternal life. That Son, resurrected and now standing at the portals of salvation, entreats man to take up the cross of humble obedience that he might save his soul. God holds out the golden opportunity for man to gain all the riches of heaven. To serve God now is to have the assurance that man can live with God eternally. By loving God we also fear him, thereby fulfilling the whole duty He has placed upon us—Ecclesiastes 12:13. This is the plan of salvation the Father puts before us, this is the way of escape which he provides. It was through Christ's teaching, his suffering, death and resurrection that he opened to us the door of Redemption's Palace. God promises eternal life to the obedient, and his promises are sure, for "God is not slack concerning His promise"—II Peter 3:7.
To be a Christian means that we must sacrifice our own selfishness and live disciplined lives. It means constant vigilance and continued faith, hope and love. It calls for a continued growth in the grace and knowledge of God—II Peter 3:18. It is a process of adding virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness and brotherly kindness to our lives, all of which enrich our lives and increase our happiness, while at the same time the Christian puts away malice, envy, jealousy, strife, and contention, all of which warp and mar any life, and detract from one's happiness. Certainly it pays to be a Christian even in this life because life is more meaningful and complete.
Is our salvation and eternal happiness the only reason for being a Christian? Certainly not! Everyone has an obligation to his fellowmen. Paul said, "For none of us liveth unto himself"—Romans 14:7. Every life that is lived influences others either for good or evil; and we have a divine obligation to seek to bless our fellowmen through a righteous influence and by spreading God's word of life throughout the world. We cannot serve God acceptably unless we seek those who need our love and care. Sorrow fills the heart of God when men disobey Him, and that same sorrow should fill our hearts and lead us into the work of trying to bring the lost to Christ. The joy of the shepherd when he found his lost sheep—Luke 15:15, 16—is comparable with the joy that is ours when we bring a lost soul back to the shepherd and bishop of their souls. Our love for God is a great impelling force leading us to wish to serve man. Our knowledge of Christ and of God causes us to become more conscious of the sins about us, and our love for both Christ and man impels us to seek man's salvation while the door of God's grace is open wide to him.
Is not your heart grieved when you witness the results of sin? Are you not distressed when you learn of a young man, who through one act of passion, receives a death sentence for his crime? Are you not saddened when you see loved ones with their tear-filled eyes as they say their last farewells to their loved one suddenly called away by the ruthless hand of death? Are you not affected when the son or daughter of a dear friend disgrace themselves through the wiles of Satan? Surely the constant march of sin and crime cannot leave you unaffected! There are the pleading voices of little children orphaned by tragedy and sin—they need your love and service, and you thereby have a wonderful opportunity to render help—giving sympathy and love in all such distressing cases. The Christian above all others can be helpful in such times of need, because he can and does look beyond the dark veil of death, and understands the eternal consequences of sin and unrighteousness. In such service our own cares and trials become insignificant, and we are caught up in a life of service that enables us and enriches our lives. The Christian finds the way of escape from a miserable life of selfishness, and thereby points others into that pathway where pleasures are forevermore.