Jesus came to the world via virgin birth with the message of love. He has come to save mankind and to show us how to love God and neighbours. He died on the cross of Calvary and paid the huge price of sin. This exorbitant price is death (Romans 6:23) and shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). In this way Jesus Christ of Nazareth became the Lord and Saviour of mankind. Refusal of any man or woman on the planet, earth, to surrender his/her life to Jesus drops the victim in the dungeon of regrets where he/she eternally misses numerous astounding advantages. What you lose by not following Jesus Christ include the following.
1.JESUS IS THE EMBODIMENT OF GOD’S KINGDOM ON EARTH
Jesus came into this world as the singular carrier of God’s presence and God’s kingdom. John the Baptist described Jesus ahead of time as the embodiment of the kingdom of God. In Matthew 3:2 John announced that the kingdom was at hand in the person of Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry Jesus agreed with John the Baptist by explaining in Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15 that His earthly ministry illustrates the kingdom of God. Jesus presence means the presence of the kingdom of God. By following Jesus Christ one receives and distributes kingdom blessings.
2. JESUS IS THE CARRIER AND DISTRIBUTOR OF GRACE OF GOD
The Bible tells us that the law came through Moses but grace and truth came from Jesus Christ (John 1:17).Grace is unmerited divine assistance from God. Jesus came to bring comfort and healing to perishing humanity (Prov.24:11; Luke 4:18,19). When you choose to follow Jesus Christ, He makes you somebody. Ordinary illiterate fishermen-Peter and John- in His ministry were elevated to the enviable status of mighty preachers and miracle workers (Acts 4:13; 5:14-16).
3. JESUS IS CUSTODIAN OF THE BOOK OF LIFE.
Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Saviour is the only requirement for putting one’s name in the register of God which is the Book of Life in heaven (Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12,15).
4.JESUS IS THE GIVER OF ETERNAL LIFE.
Accepting Jesus Christ ushers a person into everlasting life; it is life of peace, joy and holiness which begins the moment you accept Jesus and does not end. According to John 3:16, 35, 36 and 1 John 5:11-13, eternal life which God brings resides in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
5. JESUS IS THE GIVER OF WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD.
Surrendering one’s life to Jesus Christ and following his teachings and examples avail one of God’s power and divine wisdom (1Corinthians 1:24;Colossians 2:3).
6. JESUS IS THE ONLY SOURCE OF RESURRECTION AND LIFE AFTER DEATH.
Jesus is the embodiment of resurrection and life. So, following him assures us of life after death (John 11:25). Apostle Paul desired this power of resurrection (Philippians 3:10).
7. JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
Jesus is the light of the world; following in His footsteps keeps us from darkness of sin, sickness, lack, hardship ...and their hazards (John 8:12).The ability to shine as light in every area of life comes from following the examples and teachings of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:13,14,16)
8. JESUS IS THE CARRIER OF TRUTH
Grace and truth made the first appearance on earth through Jesus Christ.Jesus describes Himself as the “the way, truth and life” (John 14:6). Truths about life, God and the creation and truths about the functioning of the universe come from Jesus. God has the monopoly of truth and that truth reaches mankind through Jesus Christ. No wonder God announced to mankind in Luke 17:5 on the mount of Transfiguration to listen to Jesus. Following Jesus is the ultimate task which God enjoys and angels celebrate (Luke 15:7, 10; John 6:28,29).
9. JESUS IS THE PROMISED OFFSPRING
According to Genesis 3:15, God promises mankind that the offspring of the woman will bruise the head of the deceptive serpent. Jesus on earth fulfilled this prophecy, being the promised offspring. Having conquered Satan and bruised the head of the serpent through His death and resurrection, He boldly gave believers the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions (Luke 10:19). For our wellbeing and eternal enjoyment, He thus overcame the world (John 16:33).
10. JESUS IS THE DISTRIBUTOR OF ABRAHAM’SBLESSINGS
Jesus is the offspring of Abraham through whom all nations on earth will be blessed. (Genesis 22:18; Galatians 3:16).
Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Saviour is the pathway to eternal life, joy and fulfilment here and now and hereafter. But, rejecting Jesus Christ ushers a person into eternal sorrow, regret and destruction; it makes you a child of Satan and slave to sin (John 8:34). May God enable you to choose aright and live aright. May you avert regrets by following Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Now is the best opportunity.