Why Are You a Christian?

[Withdrawn]

Bro, it's so good to see you back. I heard that you were posting again on AFF, so I thought I'd come see what you had to say.

I know you meant for this to be rhetorical, but I'll jump in. I am right now in the midst of the greatest trial of my Christian life, and am finding that transparency and self-awareness are my dearest and truest friends right now.

Originally Posted by A.W. Bowman

“Why are you a Christian?”

For example, what do you expect to get out of being identified as a Christian? What is your personal pay-off? Can you give three foundational reasons (justifications) for holding to your form of the Christian religion? Why is your form of Christianity better than someone else’s? And, why is your religion better than every other non-Christian form, or type of religion?

Twenty six years ago, when I was a fresh convert and new zealot for the Oneness Pentecostal message, I would have had to honestly and proudly answer that I became a Christian to escape judgment and hell in exchange for an everlasting home of unimaginable riches. Actually, more honestly, if you had asked this question just 6 or 7 years ago, the response would probably have been the same though I would have out of obligation had to add "because I love Jesus so much" (whether it were really true or not).

Now, several miles down a long and winding road, I will tell you it's because above all else, He is worthy of my allegiance and my worship and honor because He is God, the Creator and sustainer of this universe, and the Savior of all. The lengths that He went to in order to secure my redemption is enough for me to say, "Worthy is the Lamb which was slain to receive power and glory and wisdom and honor", and surely my love and commitment to him is the earnest reward of His sufferings.

I used to view Christianity in much more humanistic terms - escaping punishment (my benefit), gaining heaven (gaining something in exchange for nothing), and blessings (more free gifts to make me more comfortable along the way). While I still often struggle with these humanistic tendencies, I'm living now with a greater sense that it's not about my comfort, it's not about what I want, it's not about how special I am; but it IS about HIS DESIRES, HIS WILL, HIS CALLING and HIS WORD. He didn't save me so I could be comfortable and blessed for the rest of my life. He saved me so I would deny myself, take up His cross of suffering, and serve Him by serving those for whom He died until I've spent myself for that purpose.

Originally Posted by A.W. Bowman

A follow up question would be, “Are you true to your professed religious beliefs, i.e. do you live up to, and perform all of the duties and responsibilities that your religion requires of you?” If you had to judge yourself as God will judge you, how do you measure up, today?

Daily I DO NOT measure up. Daily I DO NOT live up to and perform all the required duties and responsibilities of His calling. But I've come to terms with grace enough to finally understand that it's not about my performance or ability, but about Christ's ability to use a severely broken man to accomplish His purpose. Am I always pleasing to Him? Certainly not. But I know that I am accepted and beloved, and in His hands. Where my actions are not always pleasing, and I'm the world's biggest screw-up, I know that when I humbly turn to Him in repentance He meets me there.