There is no other way – Part 3

Read John 6:60-71. Many disciples deserted Jesus, because they could not understand His “hard saying” (v 60). Then Jesus said to the twelve “Do you also want to go away?” 68But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (vv 68, 69).

In his straightforward way, Peter answered for all of us—there is no other way. Though there are many philosophies and self-styled authorities, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. People look everywhere for eternal life and miss Christ, the only source. In response to Jesus message, some people left; others stayed and truly believed; and some, like Judas, stayed but tried to use Jesus for personal gain.

Many people today turn away from Christ. Others pretend to follow, going to church for status, approval of family and friends, or business contacts. But there are only two real responses to Jesus—you either accept or reject Him. How have you responded to Christ? I say with the great John Wesley, “O let me commend my Saviour unto you!”

What is Christianity?
Christianity, unlike some other religions, is not just a collection of moral codes for righteous living. Christianity is primarily a relationship with God, our Father and Creator, through His Son Jesus Christ. Christianity is better understood through the concept of Election and Predestination taught by apostle Paul. Read Eph. 1:4-5. Election is God’s choice of those who believe in Christ Election (Gk eklegó) refers to God choosing in Christ a people whom He destines to be holy and blameless in His sight. Election is an expression of God’s initiative as the God of infinite love in giving us as His finite creation every spiritual blessing through the redemptive work of His Son.

Election is Christocentric, i.e. election of humans occurs only in union with Jesus Christ, (2) Election is “in [Him]…through His blood (Eph. 1:7); (3) Election in Christ is primarily corporate, i.e. election of a people. The elect are called “the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12), “my church” (Mat 16:18), “a peculiar people (belonging to God) (1 Pet 2:9), and the “wife” of Christ (Rev 19:7), (4) The election to salvation and holiness of the body of Christ is always certain.

But the certainty of election for individuals remains conditional on their personal living faith in Jesus Christ and perseverance in union with Him. (5) Election to salvation in Christ is offered to all (John 3:16-17; 1 Tim 2:4-6; Tit 2:11; Heb. 2:9) but becomes actual for particular persons contingent on their repentance and faith, as they accept God’s gift of salvation in Christ (Eph. 2:8; 3:17).

Predestination. (Gk proorizē) means, “to decide beforehand” and applies to God’s purposes comprehended in election. Election is God’s choice “in Christ” of a people (the true church) for Himself. Predestination comprehends what will happen to God’s people (all genuine believers in Christ). (1) God predestines His elect to be: (a) called (Rom 8:30); (b) justified (Rom 3:24; 8:30); (c) glorified (Rom 8:30); (d) conformed to the likeness of His Son (Rom 8:29); (e) holy and blameless (Eph. 1:4); (f) adopted as God’s children (Eph. 1:5); (g) redeemed (Eph. 1:7); (h) recipients of an inheritance (Eph. 1:14); (i) for the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12; 1 Pet 2:9); (j) recipients of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13; Gal 3:14); and (k) created to do good works (Eph. 2:10).
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