Real Christianity is experienced just like Buddhism, atheism, or any form of religion. That is why idolatry has also managed a following since the idols through demon power may also offer some semblance of mysteriousness. The Christian faith is just so different as it is the empirical involvement of Jesus Christ Himself in the life of His followers. Wrote the Apostle Paul that “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21)
Real Christianity Means
"Christ Liveth in Me"
Before his conversion to real Christianity, the Apostle Paul would probably say that life is all about Judaism. For outside of Christ, one would look at life on the side of its connections with the world through religion, a career or some other means of livelihood. To the fisherman, for instance, life is nothing but fishing; to the farmer, farming. How is it that Paul taught that he connected his life to a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ? “For to me, to live is Christ,” he said. In Galatians 2:20, he added, "Christ liveth in me." (KJV)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil. 1:21
The Apostle didn’t say “For to me, to live is Christianity.” No, he said to live is Christ or Christ lives in me—as a servant of the risen Savior Jesus Christ!
Real Christianity Means
Christ is God the Son
The Apostle Paul was so passionate when writing and defending the deity of Christ since in real Christianity Christ is believed and experienced as God the Son and not just Son of God.
Observe Paul's Christology in his letter to the Colossians:
"He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." (Col. 1:15-17 NASB)
He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Real Christianity is a Knowledge
OF, Not ABOUT God
Wrote someone that there are those who have knowledge ABOUT GOD but have no knowledge OF GOD. Theology is knowledge about God; whereas, real Christianity, also known as the second birth, is an intimate relationship with God the Son, Jesus Christ. It is a knowledge of Jesus Christ personally or from an intimate closeness and friendship with Him in the spiritual realm.
Have you experienced for example a divine peace in your adult life? Conquering the fear of death is one instance that can be known and felt in real Christianity. You don't have such a Christ-given peace even amidst cancer or other forms of trial if you are a true unbeliever.
Promised our Lord Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27) Added the Apostle Paul: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil 1:21)
Real Christianity Means a True
Relationship with Jesus Christ
True Christianity, therefore, is a relationship! Christ wants to call His followers brothers or mothers. Someone said to our Lord, “’Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.’ But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ‘Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:47-50).
“And stretching out His hand toward His disciples,” not toward the crowd, for not all followers of Him are born again Christians. Relationship with Christ is an exclusive privilege of those who responded to the Lord’s call; or those who believed sincerely in His words. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
Visitors who will knock at your door can be classed into different groups or types, but only those closest to your heart like your mother or brother you’ll invite to come in— to “dine with him, and he with Me”!
As real Christianity is an intimate relationship with the risen Son of God, so this relationship is very personal in nature. Hence Paul wrote that “For to me” or as far as he is concerned—not his church’s or family’s!
The great Apostle also wrote that “to die is gain” because of his firm belief in Christ as man’s Savior, Giver of eternal life, and "great God and Savior."
