Look to Christ and Live

Three men were trying to get to heaven. As they approached its gates, they saw a sturdy watchguard protecting passage, admitting only those who could appropriately answer the following question: What do you know about Jesus Christ?

The first responded, “I know he was born in Bethlehem,” and was allowed to pass. The second answered, “I know he was baptized by John the Baptist,” and was also permitted entrance. The third man drew close to the guard, then fell on his knees, exclaiming, “Lord!”

This story illustrates that to truly know Jesus Christ and God, we must convert ourselves to Them. It is not enough to know about Them, we have to know Them and experience Their power in our lives. The only way to do that is to change and follow Them.

Change is difficult. Recently, I returned from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Barcelona, Spain where I served people for two years. Part of my purpose, as a proselyting missionary, was to help people change, or as the scriptures say, repent. I spoke to the people of Spain on the streets, in the subway, and in their houses, trying to help them change and experience Jesus Christ. As I did that, I noticed that for many reasons, change is difficult.

Some people felt like I was trying to sell them something. Others felt they were fine just as they were, and did not need to improve. A few were apathetic, some doubtful of our message, and many felt too imperfect to even try, believing that they were a helpless cause. Surely, there are innumerable reasons repentance can be challenging.

One of my favorite chapters in the New Testament is John 3, wherein the Savior has a personal interview with a prominent Pharisee named Nicodemus. Like one of the first men in my introductory story, Nicodemus knew much about the scriptures and religious law but lacked what he needed most: conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, he had many questions for Jesus Christ and furtively sought the Master in the night. Nicodemus, upon his finding the Savior, expressed his curiosity as to the identity of Jesus Christ and is given this response: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (verse 3).

Later expounding upon this teaching, the Savior says, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:5-7) Jesus Christ leaves it clear that all must change, must be born again, and those who do not cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. It is not enough just to know about Jesus Christ; we must change.

It appears that Nicodemus remained confused. If change is necessary, then how is it possible? Who can help us accomplish such a mighty change? Thankfully, Jesus Christ answers these very questions in verses 14-17, “And as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

These verses teach that change is only achieved through Jesus Christ and His love. Just as Moses lifted up a serpent in the wilderness to heal those snake-bitten Israelites who would merely look to it, God rose Jesus Christ upon the cross to heal us if we would simply look to Him. And God and Jesus Christ want us to change not simply to satisfy some heavenly requirement or to repay some debt; rather they want us to be born again because they love us.

I know that Jesus Christ loves you. He loves you as you are, but he loves you too much to leave you as you are. So let Him change you. That is what he has done for me, and I cannot describe the joy I feel from that change. I love Him. It is now my greatest hope that I will be that third man in the story and will not simply know of the Savior, but know Him. I sincerely hope the same for you.

Samuel Fry is a 20-year-old Alaskan studying electrical engineering at Brigham Young University. He is a recently returned missionary for, and member of, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.