WHO IS JESUS?

Christianity is deeply rooted in Irish history, but do you really know who Jesus is and what his existence means to you?

In recent times, you'd be forgiven for thinking Christianity is more about wars, far right politics, greed, control, and church scandals, Indeed, across the centuries, terrible things have often been done in the name of Jesus. Perhaps, like many, you've been badly let down by religion too.

But when we look at the description of Jesus found in the ancient accounts of those who knew him, we quickly build a very different picture.

Jesus taught of love, acceptance, and compassion for those marginalised by society, the sick, poor and broken hearted (Matthew11:28). He preached against greed, control and tradition, but instead told us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), avoid judging people (Matthew 7:1-2), and to spread the kingdom of God by loving others more than ourselves (John 13:34-35). Most importantly though, he came to offer salvation to those who would believe in him (John 3:16). 

WHAT DID JESUS DO FOR YOU?

The Bible tells us that all of mankind had been separated from God by rebellion and sin (Isaiah 59:2). Despite mankind's best efforts, there was still an unbridgeable divide.

So God sent Jesus, his perfect Son, to Earth to restore our relationship. He died so we could experience eternal life with God in heaven – something we can't achieve on our own.

Reaching heaven is not something we can do by 'being a good person', because to be with God requires perfection. The issue is that no man or woman in history has ever lived a perfect life... apart from Jesus. As Jesus is fully God and fully man, he lived a perfect life for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus took the punishment for our disobedience on himself in the ultimate act of selfless love and sacrifice when he died on the cross (Romans 5:6-8) before rising from the dead. Because of this we know our salvation is assured. We simply need to believe, turn from our former ways and follow him. We are saved by Christ alone (John 14:6), by God's grace, through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

The Bible teaches that anyone who declares Jesus is Lord and believes God raised him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9).

You can do this by accepting Jesus right now, simply by praying to God and acknowledging Jesus as your Saviour, confessing your sin and acknowledging that you need him for salvation. All that is required is the genuineness of your repentance and faith.

We'd then recommend attending a Bible-based church, such as Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship, to ask any questions and help you understand what a life following Jesus involves. We believe that the universal church of Christ is not any one organisation or denomination, but is, as the Bible says, made up of all who truly believe in Jesus.