Everyone likes to quote a verse like John 3:16 or Romans 10:9 and think that this simple confession of 'belief' is the purpose of life or the key to being a Christian. While being great expressions of God's love and the importance of what He has done for us, these verses do not describe a lifestyle or action apart from mere 'head knowledge.'
God has created us to DO the right things in life for Him. Genesis 1:26-27
As God's 'image bearers,' our purpose is to be an ongoing reflection (image) of His glory and behavior. Thus, the Bible unanimously declares that the essence of all Biblical commands is that of ACTION unto God (Deut. 6:5-6, Lev. 19:18, Matt. 22:37-39). Simply believing in the Bible or Jesus is insufficient and puts us in the company (shared behavior) of demons (James 2:14-26). God's command is for us to DO!
The problem is, however, that we CAN'T do the right thing. Romans 8:14-25
It's not that we do not know what is 'right' or 'wrong' or have insufficiency motivation to do what is 'right.' No, the problem with us (and all humanity) is that we are inept (powerless) sinners by choice. Not only do we fashion every decision primarily around our own personal needs/wants, but even those actions charged for the sake of others are misguided and cannot undo the evil we've done previously. Remember: our purpose is to live for God, not for self or even for others (God first, then neighborly love (Matt. 20:37-39)). The Bible describes our tragic state of affairs as 'dead men walking' (Rom 8:14, 21).
Through Jesus' death and resurrection, there is HOPE and OPPORTUNITY. Romans 7:25, 8:1-4.
Jesus' death on the cross paid for our past sins. His resurrection and ascension, free us from our mortal limitations and enables to enjoy His Spirit within us. Accepting the truth and sufficiently of Jesus as God's Son and payment for our sins, frees us from our past and grants us a new life and power to please God (obey Him) in the power of His Spirit.
A Christian is one who lives every day DOING the right thing in the power of the Spirit for the Glory of God. (Romans 8:5-8)
A Christian is one who lives for God through his/her actions. They do not seek their own glory, success of even mere humanitarianism. A true Christian lives for God alone. This a work of the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Every day, and in every situation, a Christian must seek the power of the Holy Spirit to do what is right. Only then, can a person know joy and receive the promised gift of eternal life - God's shared glory and presence (Romans 8:17)!
