Many non-Christians have the wrong impression of Christianity. There is a misconception that Christianity is boring or requires a strict adherence to a set of rules. Fortunately for believers, we know that could not be further from the truth. Christianity is an exciting and fulfilling way to live one’s life. If you’re not a believer, I want you to know that there is so much you are missing out on! Today we’ll go through four uplifting facts about Christianity. I pray that you’ll see what you are missing and be overcome with the desire to know more. If you are a Christian, let this article serve as a reminder of how amazing our God really is!
Promise of an Abundant Life
In John 10:10 Jesus says that “[He] has come that [we] may have life, and that [we] may have it more abundantly.” You see, Jesus didn’t come so that we would have a bunch of rules to follow. Also, Jesus didn’t list a string of dos and don’ts. He simply promised a life of abundance if you choose to follow Him. Now of course, choosing the Christian life does not always mean a bed of roses; you will have trials and tribulations. But the good news is, when you face these trials and tribulations, you are never alone.
What does living an “abundant life” mean? Well, Jesus came to earth to give. He didn’t come to take. In Him, life becomes meaningful and purposeful. Living an abundant life means to live a life full of joy, strength, and hope that is not dependent on external circumstances. The abundant life is an internal state of knowing that no matter what is going on, we have peace and calm because God is in control. Unless you experience it first-hand, it’s really hard to put it into words.
We cannot imagine all the things that God has planned for those who are in Christ Jesus. However, in 1 Corinthians 2:9 we do get a glimpse:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
We cannot see all that God has for us, but through faith we understand all that God is able to do. In Ephesians 3:20, the Apostle Paul tells us that God “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Our minds cannot fathom what God has in store for those who follow Jesus.
4 Uplifting Facts About Christianity
While there are so many things about Christianity that give us a reason to celebrate, today we will go through four things that should prompt you to, at the very least, desire to learn more. This list includes the things that provide Christians with an abundant life. Remember, the abundant life is one that is filled with joy that comes from dedicating your life to Jesus Christ and it involves the inner part of who you are, not the external things you face.
1. The Promise of Eternal Life
What if this life on earth is all there is? Would you be satisfied with that? The sad thing is for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ, this life on earth is the only heaven they will ever experience. For Christians, however, we have the promise of eternal life.
John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” When you receive Jesus into your life, you also receive the promise of spending eternity with Him in heaven. There is no greater gift than that.
Whether you believe it or not, you WILL spend eternity somewhere and it is your choice where that will be. (For more information about eternity, click here).
2. Forgiveness of Sin and Freedom from Sin
Forgiveness of sin
Forgiveness of sin is very important. You will never be right in the eyes of God unless you are forgiven. That’s what being a Christian means – you are not perfect, you are forgiven. The truth is, we are ALL sinners, born into a life of sin. (To learn more about original sin, click here). The difference between Christians and non-believers is the sins of Christians are are forgiven through faith in Jesus.
Jesus Christ died a horrific death in order to pay our sin debt in full. It was His gift to ALL humanity. BUT… you’re not automatically given that gift, you must RECEIVE it. How do you receive it? Paul tells us in Romans 10:9-10:
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Your sins are forgiven ONLY through Jesus Christ. (To learn about the brutal death of Jesus Christ for our sins, click here.)
Freedom From Sin
Not only are Christians forgiven of their sins, but in Jesus, we have freedom FROM sin. This is an awesome promise. Many people go through life carrying the burden of their sins which translates into enormous guilt, shame and self-loathing. Christians do not carry these burdens because we know that Jesus bore the weight of them all when He laid down His life. In Romans 8:1-2 we are told that:
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
When we receive Jesus, that guilt and shame goes away. We are no longer condemned to a life of internal suffering by reliving all the bad things we did in the past. We know without a doubt that Jesus covered all our sins and that God is “merciful to [our] unrighteousness, and [our] sins and [our] lawless deeds [and He] will remember [them] no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)
This is another promise that we can rest in. We can be secure knowing that we are forgiven and granted freedom from a past that haunts us. From the point of acceptance of Jesus Christ, we know that any negative thoughts or beliefs we may have about ourselves does not come from God because “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
When negativity or condemning thoughts pop into our minds, we pray and seek the Lord and He helps us remember WHO we are in Christ.
3. You’re Never Alone
I love that being a Christian means that we never walk alone. We always have Jesus on our side. This brings so much joy to my life. This means that no matter what I am going through, I am not going through it by myself.
The Lord made sure that His people would never have to face anything on our own. In Deuteronomy 31:8 we find this amazing promise:
“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
God is always with us. In fact, this verse tells us that He goes before us, as well. This means that no matter what comes our way, God is already there. He sees what’s on the horizon and it is our job to understand that He’s waiting for us to lean on Him and His strength to stand strong in the face of trials.
Also, Christians have been given a Helper. Jesus tells us in John 14:16-17 that Christians are blessed with the Holy Spirit in our lives:
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
The Holy Spirit is the One who leads and guides Christians throughout their lives. The Holy Spirit is also our conscience, as He convicts us when we do something wrong. There are so many things that the Holy Spirit brings to the lives of Christians. (If you’d like to know more about the Power of the Holy Spirit, click here).
4. We Have a “Life Handbook”
Did you know that Christians have a handbook on how to live life and live it to the fullest? It’s true. Our handbook is called The Bible, and it contains the very words of God spoken to us personally.
Psalm 119:105 tells us that “[God’s] word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” In the darkest of times, the Bible will shine a light on our situation and remind us that God is always with us. (See number 3 above). When we don’t know which way to turn, God’s Word is our map.
Additionally, we see in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means that everything we need to live a fulfilling life is outlined in the Bible. The Bible is an awesome gift from God and we have it right at our fingertips!
(If you’d like some facts about the Bible, click here)
(If you’d like to know the benefits of reading the Bible, click here)
Criticisms of Christianity
The moment that we receive Jesus into our lives, our eternal destiny is sealed. That in and of itself is reason to rejoice – without even considering the other gifts we receive. That being said, Christians know that eternal life is the greatest gift that anyone could ever receive. I say this in order to address two very important criticisms that others have about Christians.
Criticism Number One
First, many unbelievers feel that Christians are always trying to push their religion on others. The truth is, Christianity is NOT a religion. Yes, you read that right – Christianity is NOT a religion. It is a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ. Anyone who claims to be a Christian will confirm this fact. The focus of a Christian’s life is on JESUS, not religion.
When you have Jesus, you have everything you need. In the heart of every Christian is the desire for others to have what we have. It’s not trying to get people to convert to a religion, it’s wanting non-believers to experience the JOY, PEACE and HOPE that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to share Jesus with everyone.
Criticism Number Two
Second, many unbelievers claim that Christians are nothing but judgmental. And yes, there are some Christians that are indeed judgmental. However, I promise you, most of us are not judgmental at all. I will admit though, we do have ulterior motives. You see, we just want you to have what we have. We want to share Jesus because He is so wonderful AND we are called to share the Good News with others. For this reason, we are just trying to be obedient to the command that Jesus gives us to:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Christians want EVERYONE to spend eternity in heaven. We can all agree that this earth is riddled with sin and perversion, heartbreak and suffering. BUT it will all be worth it when we stand face-to-face with the One who gave up His life for us. Jesus died for everyone, and that includes you.
The Ball is in Your Court
Honestly, you never know when you will take your last breath. Tomorrow may be to late. You may not believe in God, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t real or that heaven and hell don’t exist. Have you ever really asked yourself, what if God is really real? Could I be wrong about this? (Click here to read: “What if God is Real and I Don’t Believe?”)
The Christian life is rewarding. It is joyful even in the midst of pain. There is peace, calm and rest when you have faith in Jesus Christ. Isn’t it, at the very least, worth looking into? If you are not a believer in Jesus, I pray that you will seek Him. If you are a believer, give God the thanks and praise that He is worthy of for sending His One and Only Son to save our souls.
Blessings,
Amy
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please feel free to share your insights, experiences or questions in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
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