Mission Possible Blog : Do You Belong to Jesus?

Are you still waiting for a particular family member to make a decision to follow Christ?

They might even say they are a Christian - but their life's actions don't back up that assertion. Many profess their religious preferences and convictions, but a true conversion will be evident by their lifestyle (fruit). Ultimately, only God Himself knows if they are truly saved.

Embracing the true gospel and its doctrines is difficult.

Jesus Himself had this to say about two ways of life: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way, which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Becoming a Christian is an individual choice.

It is not predicated on your family background, your church attendance, or your moral values. There is a saying that "God has no grandchildren". It is based solely on faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as a substitute for you at Calvary. He bore our sins so we could become sinless. It is a belief and a personal confession of His saving grace and mercy extended to you as a sinner by a loving God who pursues us.

There should be a time in your life where you can clearly point to

an event or a private moment that changed you forever, and that is

your genuine conversion experience with the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a super highway in life that is packed with many lanes of traffic - all headed in the wrong direction. The pace is fast and furious. There is congestion and noise and mass confusion. The world is on the broad road to destruction and death. Eternity for them is pure hell - literally...

There is also a road less traveled. It is like a picturesque back country road - meandering through the hills and valleys of life. It is a narrow road that leads to life and godliness. It is often a difficult and lonely journey. Eternity for the true believer will be a never ending communion with the God of creation.

In the last days there will be many in the "church" who will fall away from the faith (apostasy).

There are countless false believers and those who would confuse and mislead many on the way. Our loved ones are often lulled by the world and its relentless tug-o-war on their hearts and minds. Praying scripture is one of the most effective ways to petition God on their behalf. This passage is a favorite of mine: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:17-19 NIV)

No doubt there will be many in heaven whom we never thought would be there. Certainly there will not be people in heaven that we were sure would be there. The point is Scripture clearly teaches there are "few" who find the narrow gate to heaven. It is a road less traveled and it is difficult.

The good news is that God invites us to join Him via the gospel message - declaring His love sent down from heaven, that we might ask Jesus Christ to save us and sanctify us by His redeeming work.

For those who live in an unequally-yoked marriage, faith in God's ability to reach them is crucial.

Pray for them and remember that their decision to follow Christ is just that: a personal choice. We do not answer for their actions or their failure to act on His invitation. Free will to reject His offer is not God's perfect will - but it is in His permissive will.

There will be evidence of a true conversion for a believer when they become part of God's family. You cannot be a true disciple of Jesus Christ without loving His people, His Word, and His ways.

A Christian is a “follower and disciple of Christ”.

The one who keeps His commandments and

does His will is a true Christian

(John 14:15).

Here are two past posts that talk candidly about true conversion

by way of the narrow path:

It's Not About Religion A Bona Fide Convert

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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