Jim Peterson writes of the three things that are involved in making a decision to become a Christian, or in making any significant decision. They are emotions, the intellect, and the will.
For example, a young man meets a young woman. They are immediately attracted to one another. They both say to themselves, “Now there is someone I’d like to marry.” At that point, if the emotions had their way, there would be a wedding. But the intellect intervenes, questioning the impulsive response. Would we be compatible? What is she really like? Can I afford to support her? Both conclude it would be better to take some time and answer a few questions before they proceed. So, the two begin spending more time with each other. He eventually concludes that she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Now his intellect has sided with the emotions on the idea of marriage.
But the final and heaviest vote remains to be cast, that of the will. It stops the march toward the altar with the questions, “Am I willing to give up this lifestyle for another? What about my freedom, is it worth the trade? Am I willing to give to give to assume the added responsibility?” The marriage will occur only when the will finally agrees with emotions and the intellect. And so it is in coming to Christ.
Can We Know?
Can we know? Or is one idea as good as another? The Word of God tells us that we can have a definite answer. It’s the answer that focuses on Jesus Christ. The scripture in Acts 16:3, reads, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are told, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Introducing people to Christ Jesus is our Mission!
Pastor Richard and Merleen Strum
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