One common misconception among unbelievers is that to become a Christian, you first need to ‘clean up your act’, so to speak. You need to stop doing all the things God doesn’t want you to do, and start doing His will. Then, if you earn enough merit by living a good life, God will accept you into heaven. That is some people’s only definition of the word holy. And perhaps that is why they do not take an active interest in faith and the church, because they think they aren’t good enough.

But this viewpoint does not reflect the truth God has revealed in His Word. There, we discover that eternal life and salvation is a free and undeserved gift from God to those who trust in Jesus Christ (e.g. Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-6). Holiness is as much a reference to God’s own declaration about His people as it is our way of life. He has set Christians apart to be dedicated to Him (e.g. Eph. 1:3; 1 Peter 2:9) and already refers to us as saints (‘holy people’) even despite the fact that we’re not perfect!

How can God do that? Because the blood of Christ has cleansed us of the stain of sin (1 John 1:7). All who trust in Him have complete forgiveness (Eph. 1:7). The debt we owe to God has been cancelled.

Although we are not saved by good works, we are saved for them. All who have received the Lord Jesus as Saviour have been given His Spirit, who gives us the desire and the power to begin living a holy life. We are exhorted to be holy, because God is holy (1 Pet. 1:16). As we walk in close fellowship with the Lord, His influence rubs off on us. The church is not an elite club of super-religious freaks who have never put a foot wrong. We are simply people who have simply recognised that we are sinners, and have accepted God’s free offer of forgiveness in His Son. Our holiness comes not from ourselves, but from the Lord.

So if you want to become part of God’s family, simply trust in Jesus Christ today. And if you already belong to Him, may His Spirit help you to please Him each day.