There are some churches nowadays that teach a kind of Christianity that doesn't require one to deny himself, take up his cross, and follow or imitate Christ. Such teaching fails to deliver the truth that life as a Christian begins with the death and resurrection of Jesus, which brings about the death of a person's sinful nature.
Living After Dying
When a person professes to follow Christ, he begins his walk in God and gets baptised, which is symbolic of the old man dying with Christ in His death, and the new man raised up with Christ in His resurrection. (see Colossians 2:12)
This new life that is given to every Christian isn't given to be squandered once more in sinful and worldly lifestyles (see 1 Peter 4:3). It is a totally new life that should be lived differently from our former lives. Paul reminds us of this truth in Romans 6:4, saying:
"For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."
This new life had a purpose: It was given to us so that we could live for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:15 tells us:
"He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them."
Not only should we live for Christ because He gave us new life – He now has the right to our lives because He owns us, by purchasing our lives with His own blood.
1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us: "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 adds: "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Why We Must Give Our Lives For the Purposes of God
Why, then, should we give our lives for the purposes of God? It's simply because He owns us.
If we have truly repented of our sins and decided to follow Christ, the most logical thing to do is not to pursue our own goals or desires. It's not even to be a good person and serve in church. It's simply to live according to how God wants us to, as said in the Word of God.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
