Do you know the Christ of Christmas?

But although he made the world, the world didn't recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, the Jews, he was not accepted. Only a few would welcome and receive him. But to all who received him, he gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust him to save them. All those who believe this are reborn!—not a physical rebirth resulting from human passion or plan—but from the will of God. And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth. And some of us have seen his glory—the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father! - John 1:10-14 (Living Bible)

And all who trust him—God's Son—to save them have eternal life; those who don't believe and obey him shall never see heaven, but the wrath of God remains upon them. - John 3:36 (Living Bible)

Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this One, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the One who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that One has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only one of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. - John 3:18 (Amplified Bible)

Are there still some among you who hold that "only believing" is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that "believing" is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith. - James 2:19-20 (Living Bible)

Believing in God without faith will not get you to heaven as you remain in control of your life with your sinful nature intact. Therefore, to abide in heaven with a righteous Holy God requires the transformation from "I am in control" (sin nature remains in control) to God is in control (the Holy Spirit enters my life and begins the work of sanctification).

Faith involves yielding control of your life in obedience to the Creator of the Universe who came to this earth as a man, yet fully God, to die for your sins. The only acceptable payment for your sins. Your belief in and obedience to the Christ of Christmas is the only acceptable means of salvation in the eyes of a Holy God. The good works that come from a transformed life are the evidence of salvation.

Are the good works I am doing being done because I think it is a good thing to do, or are they done out of total obedience to God?

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. - C. S. Lewis

When we walk with the Lord
in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do His goodwill,
he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.

But we never can prove
the delights of his love
until all on the altar we lay;
for the favor he shows,
for the joy He bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. - John Sammis

Be Encouraged to Trust and Obey the Christ of Christmas.

-Jeffrey Thornton