Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.
Jonah 3:5
As we have seen, we are all in need of redemption. From the greatest to the least, from the richest to the poorest, from the powerful to the weak, we are all in spiritual need. For the people of Nineveh, they responded positively to Jonah’s proclamation. I like that the Bible simply describes this change of heart as, “The people of Nineveh believed in God.”
That is what the new covenant implores us to do as well. “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” should be the battle cry of every church, every Christian organization, and every believer. Salvation brings eternal security, confidence, boldness, and freedom, something religion will fall short of accomplishing.
There are multiple characteristics mentioned in scripture to describe the Christian life. Here are three:
- Christians are to live abundant lives!
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
Abundance can be defined as a life that is over and above, more than is necessary, superior, extraordinary, and uncommon. When I consider those descriptors, I cannot help but think that an abundant life is one in which people stop and take notice. Jesus made it abundantly clear that believers are to live this kind of life. So often, I see Christians merely existing, barely making it through the day. I have also lived through this kind of existence. It is not very abundant and it is not very effective either. If we belong to Christ, we should rejoice and take our rightful place as spiritually abundant people!
- Christians are to have the Spirit flow out of them like “rivers of living water!”
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”
John 7:37-38
Jesus’ criteria for those who will see the Spirit flow like “rivers of living water” was to believe. Along with an abundant life is this visual of “rivers flowing.” Notice that the rivers are living water. This is the effect of a Spirit-filled and Spirit-driven life. Again, this is a life that makes an impact on people. Exposure to this person brings life. These are the people filled with love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22-23). These are the people who have beautiful feet because they bring “good news of good things” (Romans 10:15). These people thrive and live to further the gospel of Jesus Christ!
- Christians are to get spiritually stronger everyday, even as we age!
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
We are all aging. As we get older, our bodies remind us of this physical reality. But for believers, our spirit is to do just the opposite. Even though our outer bodies are decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed! Again, I have seen the exact opposite in my life and in the lives of others around me. This should not be. When we know in whom we are trusting, we receive spiritual power (Ephesians 1:19) and spiritual freedom (Galatians 5:1). There is no life that can even come close to experiencing spiritual renewal everyday and it all begins by receiving the gospel by faith!
Jonah preached the need for God and the people of Nineveh responded. No doubt they experienced the spiritual benefits of repenting (changing their minds) and receiving forgiveness from God. In Christ, all of the benefits of the kingdom are ours to claim and enjoy. Life abundant, life flowing through our very spirit, and spiritual renewal that doesn’t wane over time rather grows stronger. This is what happens when we respond to the gospel!
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