Following Jesus

6 Jesus answered, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. The only way to (God) the Father is through Me." John 14:6 (NCV), see also Acts 4:12 and Hebrews 10:19-20.

One of the main purposes of the Holy Bible is to help people understand and accept the call to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means we get a NEW LIFE and a better life (2 Corinthians 5:17) empowered by God’s Holy Spirit (John 15:26; Galatians 5:22–26). For some, following Jesus can be difficult (Mark 10:24-25), while others find following Jesus relatively easy (Mark 2:14–15; Luke 7:36–50). In either case, God provides His grace through the Holy Spirit to help us in our journey to follow Jesus (Mark 10:27; John 14:17). Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to His followers to encourage, instruct, and strengthen them every day with life’s challenges and struggles (John 14:16–17, 26; John 15:26; John 16:7, 13).

Following Jesus requires a simple few steps: (1) a sincere commitment to turn away from sin and unhealthy habits (Mark 8:34–38; Romans 10:9-10); (2) trusting one’s life wholeheartedly  to Jesus in faith (Mark 1:15; Mark 5:34-36; Mark 10:52); (3) repenting of sins (Mark 1:15; Mark 6:12); and (4) total allegiance and loyalty to Jesus even above loyalty to one’s own family and friends (Luke 14:25-35). Jesus demands absolute and total commitment to Him as Lord and Savior (Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:57–62).  In fact, following Jesus may cost you friends, money, popularity, leisure time, or sports and hobbies. 

God found in Jesus is worthy of all our love, affections, and worship (John 3:16-18).  All the more, God demands that He comes first in every area of our lives, even our families (Matthew 6:33).  Yet, the benefits of following Jesus greatly outweigh any temporary earthly sacrifices. Following Jesus is an eternal investment that will bring enormous rewards (Mark 8:35; Revelation 2:7, 10, 17, 26–28; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21). One day, all faithful believers will go to heaven to be with God (John 14:2–3). 

In addition, Jesus wants all believers to live sanctified or holy lives as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2; John 17:17). Believers are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). Believers become sanctified (set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy) through faith in Jesus’ life and death (Romans 3:21–29; Hebrews 9:9–15) and obeying the Word of God (John 1:1–3; Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God is God’s truth. Daily application of God’s Word purifies our minds and hearts. Most important, obedience to God’s Word proves our wholehearted love for Him as our God (John 15:1-17).

Jesus wants everyone to turn from sin and trust Him as Lord and Savior by faith (Luke 18:15–17). Faith means complete dependence, trust, and obedience (see Joshua 1). Only by being connected with Jesus through faith can anyone have eternal life and power for living. Receiving Jesus through faith is the beginning of a new life. Believers can stay connected to Jesus by committing their life to Him (Romans 12:1–2); seeking Him through Bible study, prayer, and worship (Colossians 3:16); regular church attendance with other believers (Hebrews 10:24–25); and asking the Holy Spirit to help with daily living and other challenges (Acts 1:8; Galatians 5:22).

So, let everyone follow Jesus because Jesus is the only way to a happy life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 10:19-20).