One vital aspect that makes Christianity so distinctive is the nature of the relationship between God and humanity. God is not only the Creator and the Ruler of the universe, but also the Father of all who believe in Him. In other words, God is both transcendent and immanent.

The immanency of God is ultimately manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. This incarnation of God enables humanity to commune with the deity. Jesus Christ fulfills the mission to rescue humanity from sin and death, by giving up His life and giving us eternal life.

Thanks to the redemptive work of Christ, all who believe in Him have become the children of God, the heavenly Father. This means that Jesus Christ not only brings reconciliation between God and humanity, but also draws us into the profound, intimate relationship with the Life Giver.

In fact, God not only sends His Son, but also His Spirit. He is pleased to dwell in every believer, to work in us and through us, to accomplish His beautiful purpose. Every believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As we believe in Jesus Christ, God’s Spirit renews our hearts and transforms our lives into His likeness. This is a deep and wonderful truth.

Think about it—God of the universe, the greatest of all, is pleased to live in us, to be with us. Our thoughts, our words, our actions are empowered by the Spirit of God, so it is no longer us who live, but the Son of God who lives within us. This means we should no longer have unnecessary burdens in life—no more anxieties, fears, bitterness, condemnation, and such things that steal our joy.

Tell me any other religion or belief with better revelation than this!

Well, Christianity is not actually about religion, but it is about relationship (Matthew 22:37-40). It is our personal choice to be close to or far away from God. The Scripture says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8).

But, wait, how can we possibly draw near to God? Jesus Himself reveals, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:44). The answer goes back to the Word of God, who became flesh and made His home among us—Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, which is translated “God with us.”

In conclusion, humanity can only draw near to God through His Son and by His Spirit. All in all, this relationship is initiated by God, accomplished by the Son of God, and sustained by the Spirit of God. It all begins with putting our faith in Jesus Christ, which essentially means accepting God’s invitation to believe in His Son, who has been ordained to be the Savior of all mankind.

As we end this year of 2021, let us remember what really matters in the end—our relationship with God.

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

Romans 3:22, NLT

Nobody knows how many years we still have on this earth. Thankfully, the gift of eternal life has been offered to us, by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Now, the question is, “Would you humbly accept this gift?”

Remember, accepting Jesus Christ means receiving eternal life.

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 5:20, NKJV

Would you rather be in a restful place of trusting the love and power of God who saves, who works in and through you, and who lives within you? Or would you rather be in a restless place of doubting such beautiful gift of love and continue in your own wearisome pursuit?

New year is another new opportunity, but do not take it for granted.

Listen to your heart, before it is too late.

Have a blessed new year!

Year-end reflection,

Vancouver, December 30, 2021.