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What does it really mean to be a Christian? In this series of studies, Alistair Begg of Truth for Life teaching ministry, identifies essential elements of the believer’s life.

We live in troubled and perilous times. We are buffeted on many sides with threats of pestilence, famine, violence, war, government tyranny, inflation and potential poverty along with abominable immorality. Regardless of where you live, whether in the US or anywhere across the globe, where does one find peace? There is an answer and assurance for that longing question our soul seeks to know and there is only one answer that completely satisfies. It is that “There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” _{Acts 4:12} This name is the Messiah, Jesus.

In Him, we have forgiveness of sins, no matter how “bad”, for “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God …_{Romans 3:23.} We all realize that we fail to meet the standards of God’s holiness, we have all failed, even though we may have tried very hard. Whether you are a criminal or a pious church goer, if you have not made peace with God through His Son, Christ Jesus, you cannot enjoy His peace, His joy, His presence or His protection. In other words, you are walking through an endless, barren wilderness with no assurance of ever finding refuge. But God has a plan, it is a simple plan. It is so simple that even a little child can understand it and receive it.

“³So when we were children, we were in bondage to the elements of the world, ⁴but when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son [Christ Jesus], born from a woman, born under the law [yet He did not sin], to redeem [or purchase] those who were under the law [provide salvation or deliverance for the lawbreakers], that we might receive the adoption as sons.” _{Galatians 4: 3-4}

So what must we do to satisfy God and enjoy His favor and to abide “Under His Wings.” The answer is near you and more certain that the next breath you take:

“⁸But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart. This is the word of faith that we preach; ⁹that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, ¹⁰for with the heart one believes [receives Jesus] unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹¹For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.” ^{Romans 10: 8-11}

What must you do to be saved, very simply believe, repent [turn away from a sinful life] and confess; ask Christ Jesus to save you. You can trust that Jesus will take it from there, He will save you and lead you on the most challenging and exciting journey one can imagine. Go ahead. Test Him.