An evangelical friend complained, "I know I'm saved by grace through faith in Christ's atonement. But I have never experienced a persona
An evangelical friend pointed out that the phrase "personal relationship with Christ" is not found in Scripture.
He has not experienced such a relationship and wouldn't know what that even means. But he believes in salvation by
grace through faith in Christ's atoning death and considers that sufficient.
(1) How would you justify a "personal relationship with Christ" from Scripture?
(2) Do we need such an experience to be saved?
(3) How do you know you have an intimate personal relationship with Christ?
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Do we need an intimate "personal relationship" with Christ to be saved?
How do you know you have a personal relationship with Christ?
The disciples had a personal relationship with Jesus because He is a Person. They spent 3 years with Him on a daily basis. Jesus told them He would not leave them as orphans but would send them Another Helper in His place who would be with them always and in them- the Holy Spirit of promise for all believers which began at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit like Jesus is a Person who gives us a personal relationship with Christ just the same as they had at Pentecost.
Jesus used personal pronouns when referring to the Holy Spirit:
"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away
, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send
Him to you. "And
He, when
He comes,
will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. "But when
He,
the Spirit of truth, comes,
He will guide you into all the truth; for
He will not speak on
His own initiative, but whatever
He hears,
He will speak; and
He will disclose to you what is to come. "
He will glorify Me, for
He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that
He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. "(John 16:7-15).
The Holy Spirit below does things that only a person can do,
He leads (Matt. 4:1).
He is called God (Acts 5:3-4).
He helps and comforts (John 14:16, 16:7).
He convicts of sin (John 16:17).
He gives testimony of Jesus (John 15:26).
He teaches, guides and brings to remembrance (John 14:26, 16:13).
He speaks and instructs (Acts 8:29; 10:19; John 16:13).
He hears and speaks (John 16:13, Acts 28:25-27).
He can be lied to and tested (Acts 5:3-4,9).
He sends and gives life (Acts 13:4, John 3:6, Gen 1:3).
He is a witness (Acts 5:32)
He restrains (2 Thess. 2:7).
He prevents (Acts 16:6-7).
The Spirit "said" to Philip and Peter(Acts 8:29, 10:19).
Peter said he was "told" by the Spirit (Acts 11:12).
The Holy Spirit "solemnly testifies" (Acts 20:23).
He made some of the early Christians overseers to shepherd the Church. (Acts 20:28).
He wills (Acts 13:2).
He interprets our prayers (Rom. 8:26).
He knows and communicates (1 Cor. 2:11; Rom. 8:27).
He reveals (Eph. 3:5).
He has a will-He decides, chooses and distributes the Gifts to the church (1 Cor. 12:11).
He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30).
hope this helps !!!