Welcome to the family of God and to a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ! Christianity is just that—a relationship, a vital union with Christ. Jesus is more than the symbol of Christianity; He is Christianity. Christianity is not a religion, and whatever purpose religion may serve, it cannot substitute for a personal relationship with Christ.

Religion is something to believe and do, such as attending religious services, showing acts of kindness, avoiding immorality, having religious affiliation, studying doctrine, or offering prayers. One can do these things and not even know the Savior. True Christianity is to experience Christ. It is His life in you. The Lord Jesus exercises His Lordship in your life without you losing your identity. His strength and power are always there for you to draw upon. Christ’s Spirit dwells in you to express Himself through you. Perhaps the Apostle Paul said it best:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

This chapter’s objective is to show the marks of a true disciple. If God has really taken the throne of your life, then you will see these changes occurring. Some of these changes are not instantaneous or perfect—they may not be complete, but the process is underway.