Belonging to Jesus

 Weddings are very special events for the couple who is getting married and for their families. This is especially true for a Christian wedding where both people know Jesus. They give themselves to each other, and they pledge to be faithful until death parts them. The two become one flesh, and they belong to each other.

Paul used this analogy to explain our relationship with Christ. (Romans 7:4) Once we die to our old life by repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus, we are free to belong to Jesus, to be "married to Jesus."  The purpose of this vital union is to bear fruit for God. Just think about it. We are His forever, and we are to help others come to belong to Jesus, as well.

When we think about salvation like this, it gives us a very different picture than most people have of being a Christian. We see that it is not just praying a prayer, joining a church, or being baptized. It is a close, personal relationship with the Lord of all. We belong to the One who died for us and was raised again, so that we might have life abundant and bear fruit.

As we belong to Jesus, He is there with us 24/7 to help us become more like Him, to bear the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23) Others can see the change that our relationship with Jesus brings in our life. Then, we can let them know how much Jesus loves us and how much He loves them, so they can die to self and belong to Jesus, too.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Romans 8-10.