GETTING CLOSER TO JESUS
Jesus Christ’s dying and shedding his blood on the cross to atone for our sins made it possible for us to have a loving relationship with God (John 3:16). When we repent of our sins and believe the atonement of Christ, we are born again of the Holy Spirit. And the Spirit uses the written Word of God in helping us to get closer to Jesus. (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 8:29). Following are some of the things in the Holy Bible the Spirit uses in teaching us to get closer to Jesus.
BELIEVE IN JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR—Believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior begins our relationship with him (John 3:16). The disciples believed in Jesus and closely followed him. Even a criminal who was being executed beside Jesus on a cross started a relationship with Jesus by believing he was the Son of God. The Lord told him, ”today you will be with in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Believers who are still living have opportunity to get closer to Jesus, and go to be with him in heaven.
DESIRE TO GET CLOSER TO JESUS—As believers we should desire to get closer to the Lord. The disciples desired to be closer to the Lord. However, his disciple John had a particular strong desire to be closer to Jesus. At the last Passover supper with Jesus John laid his head on Jesus’ breast. Although Jesus loved all of his disciples, John was recognized by the other disciples as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Luke 22:15; John 13:23). We should try to get as close as we can to Jesus. He desires us, with the help of the Holy Spirit and his Word, to be close as possible to him, loving him with all of our heart (Matthew 22:37).
When Jesus visited the home of his friends Mary and Martha, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to him. Martha got busy as a hostess, doing thing for him. Jesus loved both of them. But Jesus told Martha, “Mary has chosen what is better.” (Luke 10:38-42). Being close and listening to the Lord is better than doing what you want to do for him.
PRAY TO GOD—Praying allows us to commune with the Lord. Jesus demonstrated our need to pray to be close to God when he was on earth (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:40-42). He taught his disciples to pray (Luke 11:1—4). The Bible says: Pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).
STUDY GOD’S WORD—Studying and meditating on the Word of God give us a better understanding of him what he wants us to do. Jesus said if you love me, obey my Word (John 14:23).The inspired Word of God tells us to study the Word for right understanding of him and what he wants us to do (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Tim 3:16-17. Matthew 4:4). The Bible Psalmist said: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). And “I will meditate on your precepts and consider your ways…I will not neglect your word” ( Ps 119:15).
FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS—The four written “Gospels” of Jesus show him in frequent and close fellowship with his disciples. God’s Word tells believers not to forsake assembling together with our brothers and sisters (Hebrews 10:25). And “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts (Colossians 3:16). Encourage and build one another up in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).
BE PREPARED TO LIVE WITH THE LORD FOREVER
In Glorifying Jesus, the Holy Spirit uses his power and the Word of God helping to conform us to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29). And he is preparing us to live in heaven with our Savior and Lord forever (John 14:2-3).
