Answering a knock at the back door one morning I met a man who had a business proposition to make. After discussing the matter with him for a few minutes I asked him if he were a Christian. He answered that he had been born and brought up a Christian, and added that he had his doubts if he had continued in the way he had begun. I thought his misgivings were not without foundation, for he had the appearance of dissipation. He seemed a little uneasy at the turn the conversation had taken and anxious to go on his way, but I was equally anxious to put the way of salvation before him. I thought of some booklets that had just come in the mail. I had not examined them, but looking at them hastily, I found they were entitled, "Ye Must Be Born Again." Thinking that they were just what was needed, I gave one to him and he promised to read it.
I had little doubt that the man's reference to his early life meant that he had been reared by Christian parents. This may have been the case, but could have no bearing on his own individual status. Great as is the privilege of being brought up by Christian parents, each soul must have to do with God for itself.
As to being "born a Christian," it is important that we view the matter in the light of Scripture.
These and many other passages prove very clearly that man is by nature estranged from God. In other words, he is born a sinner. This being the case, he must have a new nature before he can be pleasing to God or dwell in His holy presence. There must be a change in the very spring of his being. As the Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again.”
It is significant to observe the kind of person to whom Christ announced this great truth. It was not to a gross violator of moral and social laws, but to a teacher of religion, a leader of the Jews, who was doubtless an exemplary character.
Happily, the Lord Jesus came into the world not only to point out man's need but to make provision for it. He came to save. His death on the cross has made this possible. On the cross the question of sin and sins was settled forever for all who will believe in Him.
Reader, your salvation depends on your attitude toward Christ, your acceptance or rejection of Him. This determines whether you will be saved or lost. A moral, upright life and good works are very good in their place. They are of value in this life, but are coins of a kind that will not pass with God. He cannot accept them in payment or part payment for His priceless salvation. That is a gift from Himself.
Do not be deceived; do not place your confidence in any self-improvement. Do not, by doing so, seek to cover yourself with the garment of your own righteousness that God has declared to be as filthy rags.
Just reach out your hand of faith and make God's provision your own. Distrusting self and all else, place your confidence only in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. Accept Him as your own Savior. This is what constitutes a Christian.