THE MOST VITAL NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

During these next few weeks, many of us will make New Year's resolutions in regards to exercise, family time and diet. However, the most important resolution for any of us to make is a commitment to God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us to examine ourselves to determine if we are in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5). Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). A personal commitment to God, through faith in Christ alone, always results in a transformed life. The Apostle Paul said: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” There is no such thing as a truly born again Christian who gives no evidence of his salvation. Jesus said in Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?”

The Bible says in Titus 1:16: “They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him.” Titus was the first pastor on the island of Crete. The subject of Paul’s discussion with Titus involved the Cretan Jews. They had claimed to know God, but in reality, they denied such knowledge by the way they lived. They had all the trappings of religion, but they did not know God. They had the externals, the ornaments, all the accessories, a form of godliness, but they did not have a full knowledge of God.

Friend...have you made that important commitment to God? Have you repented of your sins and invited Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)? A recent poll indicated that one-third of all Americans claim to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. But why are so many professing Christians indistinguishable from the world? We are told in the Scriptures that we can have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. We can get very emotional about God, but still not know God personally. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). James said, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). The gospel in vogue today promises people eternal life as they continue in a life of rebellion against God. It offers a false security to individuals who profess to know Christ, yet they spurn the way of holiness with no inward and outward change. This is a modern gospel designed more to soothe sinners than to convert them. It is an empty substitute. In this New Year, please resolve to examine your relationship with God. Knowing Him more accurately and passionately is the best New Year's resolution anyone could make!