By Carol Round

GROVE, OK (ANS) — “We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, and we boast in the hope of God’s glory.” Romans 5:2

Why are you a Christian? Is it because your parents are Christians? Is it because of the church you attended as a child?

I began to ask myself these questions after I was confronted by a nonbeliever on a social media site. He said, “I bet you were raised by Christian parents who made you go to church.”

Actually, although my parents were raised as Christians, they had drifted away from their faith. They didn’t attend church by the time my sister and I were born. However, when my parents purchased a house in a new subdivision in Louisiana, my sister and I, alone, began to attend a small church down the block, along with other neighborhood children. Looking back as an adult, I know it was part of God’s plan. I don’t believe in coincidences.

I’ve shared before that I drifted away from the church many times over a 40-year period. It wasn’t until I was almost 50 that I became aware of the difference between religion and relationship—a relationship with our Heavenly Father through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, let me ask you, “Why are you a Christian?” If I were to answer that question, I would first share the wonderful things that God has done for me, in me and through me since I answered His calling on my life.

I have felt Christ’s presence in my life. When I share my stories with others, my testimony is filled with profound experiences of contentment, love, hope and joy.

Second, I believe the Holy Bible is God’s inspired Word. I also believe the accounts of the many eyewitnesses who shared their stories about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. While some talk about the discrepancies in the Bible, I understand eyewitness accounts often differ. Ask a police officer who has interviewed different witnesses to a car accident and he’ll tell you he often gets different answers. Why? Depends on where you were standing when it happened. However, in the scriptures, you will find more consistencies in the stories than differences.

Third, although I’ve studied other religions, the God of Christianity is the only one offering forgiveness and grace through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. When I rededicated my life to Christ, I was overwhelmed with God’s unconditional love that changed me from the inside out. It has brought me to my knees in humility and gratitude.

Pastor John Piper wrote, “The best news of the Christian gospel is that the supremely glorious Creator of the universe has acted in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection to remove every obstacle between us and Himself so that we may find everlasting joy in seeing and savoring his infinite beauty.”

The infinite beauty of God’s creation is a fourth reason I am a Christian. I believe in an Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.

What about you? Are you a Christian simply because your parents were? Have you ever offered your life to Jesus Christ? Maybe it’s time for you to meet the one who loved you so much he was willing to die for you. If you’ve never received Christ as your personal Savior, do so without delay. Believe that He shed His blood on the cross to forgive your sins.

The Bible says that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) It also says that if you confess with your mouth, that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Don’t wait another minute, ask Him right now to show you His perfect will for your life.

      Jesus, please forgive my sin. I know that you died for me and that you have a plan for my life. Please teach me your ways and help me to live my life for you. I’d like to know of your unconditional love. Amen

Congratulations, if you have prayed this prayer from the heart the Bible says, “Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cr 5:17)

If you’ve prayed this prayer for the first time or are renewing your commitment to the Lord, please let us know so that we can pray for you as you start a new life with Jesus.