My Dad loves the question, “What is a real Christian?” What a simple yet profound question. First, a Christian trusts Jesus Christ, believes Him, and relies on Him. Second, a Christian obeys the Lord. To open your heart to Jesus Christ is not just to believe in Him, but also to follow Him.

Some people have told me, “If I give my life to Christ, I’m afraid I won’t follow Him, that I’ll fail Him. I don’t want to be a hypocrite. I already see too many people like that.” But when you open your heart to Jesus Christ, the Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you, giving you the power to obey and faithfully witness to His name [Acts 1:8].

When we sin, that doesn’t catch God off guard. He has provided a way for restoration. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”Until we see the Lord face to face, we won’t be totally without sin. But Philippians 1:6 tells us that we can be confident “that He (God) who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Part of God’s good work in us is to accomplish good works through us [Ephesians 2:10]. As Christians, we can be sure that we are God’s workmanship, a new creation in Christ Jesus.              

This is Andrew Palau.