A. Conditions to be met

1. Hear and learn the gospel (Romans 10:17, John 6:45) 

2. Believe in Jesus as the Christ (John 6:29, 8:24, Romans 10:10-11) 

3. Repent of all sins (Luke 13:3-5, Acts 3:19, 17:30) 

4. Confess Christ (Matthew 10:32-33, Romans 10:9-10) 

5. Be baptized (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21) 

6. Grow in the knowledge of the Lord and His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 5:12-6:2, 2 Peter 3:17-18)

7. Diligently serve the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 4:11-13, 2 Peter 3:14, 1 John 5:1-5)

8. Teach others the Gospel (Acts 8:4, 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Timothy 4:2, 1 Peter 3:15)

9. Repent and pray for forgiveness when you sin (Acts 8:14-24, 1 John 1:8-10)

 

B. What the Blood of Jesus can do for you

1. It brings those who are afar off, near (Ephesians 2:12-13).

2. Christ, the great High Priest, has entered the Most Holy Place with his own blood and obtained eternal redemption and a cleansed conscience for all (Hebrews 9:11-14).

3. Christ has dedicated a new covenant for all with His blood (Hebrews 9:15-18).

4. Christ's blood brings remission (forgiveness) of sin (Hebrews 9:22, 28, Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:7, Matthew 26:27-28, Revelation 7:14). 

5. Christ's blood gives all access and boldness to enter the Holiest of Holies (Hebrews 9:12,10:19).

6. Christ's blood overcomes evil and gives all victory (Revelation 12:11).

7. You can receive the gift of justification by Christ's blood (Romans 5:6-11,15,18, 3:23-25). Have you ever seen a Father or Mother after their child has been born? I have seen even some of the most worldly people give thanks to God for the incredible gift of a new born baby. How much more thankful should we be when we realize that God has given a much greater gift to us in His Son. A sinless Christ shed His blood on the cross for us, a bunch of sinners.

NCV - Rom 6:23 - When people sin, they earn what sin pays--death. But God gives us a free gift--life forever in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Christian is one who has made the choice to receive the precious gift of Jesus.

8. Christ's blood can redeem you (buy you back) (1 Peter 1:18-19). Have you ever seen a Mother or Father after their lost child was found? No matter how worldly people are, usually they will give thanks to God won't they? Being lost is a very scary thing for parents and for the child who is lost. I remember being lost in a department store when I was very young. I was very scared and then very happy when I saw my mom. Anyone who is not a Christian tonight is a lost soul. When you become a Christian, you have been found, nevermore to roam! What a great blessing! (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 15:1-7, 23-24, 32). 

A Christian is one who once was lost, but now has been found.

 

C. Benefits of being a Christian

1. Your obedient faith is one name (Matthew 18:20, John 1:12, Acts 3:16, 4:12, Philippians 2:9, Colossians 3:17, Hebrews 1:1-4, Revelation 2:13).

2. You have one name that says you are of Christ (Acts 11:26, 26:28, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Revelation 3:1).

*Notice the names of Baptist, Mormon, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, 7th Day Adventist, etc. are not mentioned in the Bible

3. You are part of one body and one of His subjects (Acts 20:28, Romans 12:3-5, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 27, Ephesians 1:22-23, 4:4, 11-16, 5:23-24). 

4. You are part of a local congregation with a scriptural organization (Romans 16:16, Revelation 2:1, Philippians 1:1, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Colossians 1:18).

5. You are described of one movement, not many movements.

a. The way (Matthew 3:3, 7:14, John 14:6)

b. The Way (Acts 9:2, 19:9, 23, 24:14)

c. The faith (Acts 6:7, 16:5, Ephesians 4:5, Jude 3)

d. The Gospel (Luke 7:22, Acts 8:25, 1 Peter 4:17)

6. You are of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-10, Revelation 1:4-6).

7. You are in "the" brotherhood, not many brotherhoods (1 Peter 2:17). 

8. You have one Lord (Acts 2:47, Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Peter 3:18).

D. Personal Application

What about you tonight? Have you contacted the blood of Jesus that brings forgiveness? Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)? There is only one way to contact the life-giving blood of Jesus and that is through obedience to the commandments of Jesus Christ (John 14:6).

Are you a Christian who has sinned and not repented of it? There is only one cure for the disease of sin and that is the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7-10). 

We hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love".

(some portions adapted from notes of Mark Gateley and Beth Wade)