In part one of our study, we started taking a deeper look at our relationship with God, and we saw how this divine relationship goes farther than simply religious activity.

Now in part 2 today we’ll continue exploring our relationship with God, through the lens of Jesus Christ, empowered by His Spirit.

What It Means to Come to Christ

Last time, we focused on a particular statement Jesus made to the pharisees in John 5:39-40, when He said “you search the scriptures, because in them, you think you have eternal life; but these are they that speak of me, and you will not come to me that you might have life.”

And we also saw how the title of the Word of God is not referring to the Bible, but to Jesus himself in Revelation 19:13.

Now, you might be wondering why the distinction between the Bible and Jesus is so important— but remember, that Jesus never wasted His words… not even once! So if He said something, there’s a good reason for it.

And notice again what Jesus said… You search the scriptures because in them you think you have eternal life — and the same is true for many who call themselves Christians today; thinking that they are gaining eternal life by diligent bible reading, going to church buildings, or other activities. As Jesus says here, these things are not what give life, but He says the scriptures speak of Me, and you will not come to me, that you might have life.

So, the question is, if coming to Jesus isn’t reading the scripture, then what does it mean to come to Jesus? In my experience, this is one of those questions that doesn’t get asked nearly enough, because so many people assume the answer is simply reading the Bible more, but we forget the second part of what Jesus told the pharisees: these are they which speak of Me.

Therefore, it’s imperative  that whenever we read the scripture, to read it with the proper understanding that it’s not a list of rules — it’s the revelation (the revealing) of Jesus Christ, and It’s pointing us to Him.

It All Begins With Faith

What then, is coming to Jesus? Let’s dig deeper by reading Hebrews 11:6:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

In this verse we can see a bit more about what it means to come to Jesus. The verse starts by saying that without faith, [without the appropriate information regarding his character, what he has accomplished on the cross, and who we are in Him]  it’s impossible to please God, because if we do not have the proper information about God, then we will typically use our own strength, effort, or force-of-will, to try and appease Him — and that doesn’t work.

There’s a lot of church-goers today with this kind of mentality— some may even profess to believe in the grace of God, but secretly in their heart, they still trust more in their own efforts as a way to earn blessings, or quell God’s wrath. That’s why understanding the truth of who God is and what Jesus accomplished on the cross is so crucial for success.

Hebrews 11:6 then says for [or because, for this reason] he who comes to God, must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Those who claim Christianity obviously don’t have much of an issue with the first part (believing that God is), but a decent amount do have some difficulty believing that He is a rewarder.

If you dig into what the average Christian believes, you may very well find a doctrine of pain, suffering, poverty, and humiliation— all wrapped-up with flowery religious language, which makes them feel as-if this is what God has designed for them. There’s no deception greater than the one which makes a believer sabotage themselves while thinking they’re in the right— because then they’ll gladly harden themselves against the actual truth.

I’ve personally watched as Christians denied healing, to their own peril. I’ve watched people refuse the promises of God, even saving grace as they hold on to legalistic works-based theologies— and it’s all the same deception at its core.

Join Me Next Time…

In the next part, we’ll explore how understanding the goodness of God opens the door to a genuine divine union with Him.

I look forward to thriving with you again.

Be blessed.