KingJ
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A Christian is best defined by John 3:16
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
A Christian is the 'whomsoever' will believe in Jesus. Now, nobody can believe a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago is the Messiah, God of the universe Isa 9:6, without some help. The bible tells us in Matt 16:16-17 and 1 Cor 12:3, that a revelation from above / the Holy Spirit is necessary. It is completely impossible to believe Jesus is Lord without a revelation from the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 12:3. Paul also speaks to a faith given in Rom 12:3.
So, we need to ask, how does one get a revelation of Jesus. The ability to believe He is Lord and not just some unlucky individual sent to a cross.
There are a couple of verses to consider.
1. Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The underlying message from Jesus in all His teaching was for sinners to repent. He says that all who have immoral thoughts are sinners Matt 5:28. Clearly supporting the verse from Paul in Rom 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2. Matt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
This is truly a hard hitting verse. Jesus, is saying that unless you can give up all, you are not worthy to follow Him. We see this in the discussion He had with the young rich man Matt 19:16-30.
3. Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
This verse is interesting as we see that even in the OT God wanted repentance of sin. Some of those mortal sinners in the OT that were given capital punishment, just may be in heaven. It speaks to a depth of repentance in our hearts and our minds.
4. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
This verse tells us with crystal clarity how to get God to draw near to us.
5. Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
I include this verse from the tribulation period as it needs to be considered. In this period where there is no Holy Spirit 2 Thess 2:6-7, the only sacrifice from us that God sees as worthy is martyrdom. Giving ones life is the greatest act of love possible John 15:13. God is impartial Acts 10:34. If He wants this depth of intent from mankind in the tribulation, He will surely want it of us prior.
6. Jer 17:9-11 God judges the heart as no man can.
Very important passage as it speaks to the fact that God is able to and clearly wants to judge the depths of our hearts and minds for sincerity. Nobody can fake repentance of sins for example and think God will per James 4:8, draw nigh to them. Or as per Rev 3:20 Jesus come into the heart of someone who does not sincerely repent.
Conclusion on how to get a revelation of Jesus in order to believe in Him as per John 3:16:
It takes true repentance of sin. A depth on par with martyrdom.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
A Christian is the 'whomsoever' will believe in Jesus. Now, nobody can believe a man who walked the earth 2000 years ago is the Messiah, God of the universe Isa 9:6, without some help. The bible tells us in Matt 16:16-17 and 1 Cor 12:3, that a revelation from above / the Holy Spirit is necessary. It is completely impossible to believe Jesus is Lord without a revelation from the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 12:3. Paul also speaks to a faith given in Rom 12:3.
So, we need to ask, how does one get a revelation of Jesus. The ability to believe He is Lord and not just some unlucky individual sent to a cross.
There are a couple of verses to consider.
1. Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
The underlying message from Jesus in all His teaching was for sinners to repent. He says that all who have immoral thoughts are sinners Matt 5:28. Clearly supporting the verse from Paul in Rom 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
2. Matt 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
This is truly a hard hitting verse. Jesus, is saying that unless you can give up all, you are not worthy to follow Him. We see this in the discussion He had with the young rich man Matt 19:16-30.
3. Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
This verse is interesting as we see that even in the OT God wanted repentance of sin. Some of those mortal sinners in the OT that were given capital punishment, just may be in heaven. It speaks to a depth of repentance in our hearts and our minds.
4. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
This verse tells us with crystal clarity how to get God to draw near to us.
5. Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
I include this verse from the tribulation period as it needs to be considered. In this period where there is no Holy Spirit 2 Thess 2:6-7, the only sacrifice from us that God sees as worthy is martyrdom. Giving ones life is the greatest act of love possible John 15:13. God is impartial Acts 10:34. If He wants this depth of intent from mankind in the tribulation, He will surely want it of us prior.
6. Jer 17:9-11 God judges the heart as no man can.
Very important passage as it speaks to the fact that God is able to and clearly wants to judge the depths of our hearts and minds for sincerity. Nobody can fake repentance of sins for example and think God will per James 4:8, draw nigh to them. Or as per Rev 3:20 Jesus come into the heart of someone who does not sincerely repent.
Conclusion on how to get a revelation of Jesus in order to believe in Him as per John 3:16:
It takes true repentance of sin. A depth on par with martyrdom.
.
