Vol. 3, No. 9 | Page 9 |
September, 2001 |
After one is saved from his past sins, and while he waits for the reception of eternal life following the return of Jesus Christ, a soul is called upon by the Bible to practice faithful Christian living. Titus 2:11-13 is one passage that speaks of this salvation, Christian living and hope of eternal life.
"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13).
Christian living involves one's responsibility to conform to the moral code authored by God and recorded through divine penman in the form of the New Testament. This responsibility is shared by elderly men, elderly women, young women, young men, servants and elders -- according to Titus chapters one and two. All of these groups of people must practice Christian living before God, in the Lord's church, toward each other, among family members and in submission to civil government. The Book of Titus is filled with references to these relationships or Christian living and is worthy of careful and prayerful study.
A summary of how a person can "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" includes being: blameless, not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy money, not covetous, hospitable, sober, just, holy, temperate, one who holds fast the faithful Word of God, of good conscience, of sound doctrine, sound in the faith, charitable, patient, not a false accuser, teachers of good things, compassionate, discreet, chaste, a pattern of good works, uncorrupted, sincere, sound in speech, under subjection, not a brawler, gentle, not deceived, not lustful, not lovers of pleasure, not living in malice, not envious, not hateful, workers of good and not factious. Read Titus 1:6 -- 3:10 to discover for yourself these traits of faithful Christian living.
Of course, one must become a Christian before he can truly practice Christian living. In addition, only a Christian can rejoice in the forgiveness of sins and patiently hope to receive eternal life. A Christian is a baptized believer. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). Are you a baptized believer? If you are, do you practice faithful Christian living?
Recognizing Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the willingness to publicly state that belief is essential to salvation.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).
Such a confession of Christ was required of the Ethiopian nobleman in Acts Chapter Eight. Immediately after he stated his faith in Christ, the nobleman was immersed in water for the forgiveness of his sins.
"And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him" (Acts 8:36-38).
Following a person's baptism into Jesus, his whole life as well as his words become public statements of belief in Christ. Then, Jesus also confesses that one to the heavenly Father. "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32).
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Are you willing to tell others of your faith in Jesus? Have you been baptized for the forgiveness of your sins? Do you want Jesus to speak to God the Father about your faithfulness and profession of faith? The churches of Christ will gladly help you learn more about Jesus so that you might believe, confess his name and be baptized; then Jesus will confess your name to God in heaven.
Copyright © 2001 Louis Rushmore. All Rights Reserved.
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