RESPONSE
God will only restore relationship with a person and make them “God-centered” if they turn- away (repent) from their rebellious “self- centeredness” and place their belief on the promise of God to save them through Christ’s work.
Mark 1:15
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Romans 10:9
…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
Faith is defined as personally placing trust in God's promise to save those who ask Him.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
God will not save a person who is attempting to gain His favor by doing good things or attempting to be “God-centered.”
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Romans 10:3
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
Authentic faith produces a new life, a life increasing in love and obedience to God.
I John 2:3
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments.
James 2:26
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Not only does God give spiritual life, but the Spirit of God Himself enters into believers, confirming in their hearts that they are indeed the children of God, guiding and empowering them on the mission of Christ.
When a person is reconciled with God, they are made a part of God's family which is called the "Church."
II Corinthians 6:18
“And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” Says the Lord Almighty.
I Timothy 3:15
but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
God loves His Church. Each of His Children are to be deeply connected and functioning in God’s family by being a part of a local church. God commissions His family to mutually care, serve and share with supernatural love that only He can supply through the Spirit. Through this supernatural love between the members of His family, God is showing the world His love and the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
John 17:23
I in them and you in me, that they may be perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Finally, as part of the Church, He then calls His children into His mission to spread this wonderful news about Himself, which He calls “The gospel." The heart and mission of God become the heart and mission of those who are truly made God’s children by the Cross of Jesus.
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Each child of God truly enjoys God's love while living within the Father's design as an active part of His family on His Mission.
John 15:9-11
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.