Real Christians

1 My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is Someone to plead for you before the Father. His Name is Jesus Christ, the One who is all that is good and who pleases God completely. 2 He is the One who took God’s wrath against our sins upon Himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and He is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s. 3 And how can we be sure that we belong to Him? By looking within ourselves: are we really trying to do what He wants us to? 4 Someone may say, "I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ." But if he (or she) doesn’t do what Christ tells him (or her) to, he (or she) is a liar. 5 But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. 6 Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did. 1 John 2:1-6 (TLB).

The Apostle John offers everyone a wonderful hope.  If you have sinned, Jesus Christ can take away your sins. Jesus Christ is our Advocate, Mediator, and Defender as the Judge's Son (God the Father).  As the Son of God, Jesus Christ suffered our penalty deserved from the Holy Judge, God the Father, and became the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10). Jesus Christ stands before God as our Mediator because His death satisfied the wrath of God against sin and paid the death penalty for our sin. Thus, Jesus Christ removes our sin. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, purified, and righteous. As we turn and unite with Jesus Christ, we are safe and secure. So, turn to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins (see Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 7:24-25). Absolutely no one is beyond forgiveness.

Once you are forgiven, Jesus Christ also wants you to live your life like Him!  True Christian faith results in loving behavior and obedient life for God (see also 1 John 3:23). Jesus Christ loved people and obeyed God.  To live today as Jesus Christ means to follow His example of complete obedience to God and loving service to people (see also Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34-35; John 15:13). Love can be defined as "selfless giving'' to others, including our enemies and persecutors (Matthew 5:43-48). Love is the identifying mark of a real Christian.