In 1957 a book was published entitled "Why I Am Not A Christian" which was a collection of essays by Atheist philosopher Betrand Russell. In these essays, Russell explained the reasons why he would not come to and embrace the Christian faith. In 2003 pastor and theologian John Stott published a book entitled "Why I Am A Christian", which was written in response to Russell's book.
In Stott's "Why I Am A Christian", he writes out what are to him the seven most personally meaningful reasons that he has given his life (and found the purpose of his life) in Jesus Christ. Some of those reasons are the "The Claims of Jesus", specifically regarding being divine in nature (one with the Father) and yet living a life of humility serving others, as Stott wrote "Why am I a Christian? Intellectually speaking, it is because of the paradox of Jesus Christ. It is because he who claimed to be his disciples' Lord humbled himself to be their servant." Another reason is the Cross. Stott was a Christian because the Cross demonstrates that Jesus not only became Man to be close to us and live among us, but also to suffer with us, and to suffer for us. Stott stated it as such, "Why am I a Christian? One reason is the cross of Christ. Indeed, I could never myself believe in God if it were not for the cross. It is the cross that gives God his credibility... In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it."
And perhaps most importantly, Stott gives the main reason he was a Christian - not because he sought after Jesus, but because Jesus sought after him. Stott borrows a description from poet Francis Thompson referring to Jesus as the "Hound of Heaven" who tirelessly hunts down and pursues sinners while they are lost and helpless in sin. Stott put it this way, "Why I am a Christian is due ultimately neither to the influence of my parents and teachers, nor to my own personal decision for Christ, but to the 'Hound of Heaven'. That is , it is due to Jesus Christ himself, who pursed me relentlessly even when I was running from him in order to go my own way. And if it were not for the gracious pursuit of the Hound of Heaven I would today be on the scrapheap of wasted and discarded lives."
To read both intellectually compelling and heart touching reasons why one ought to be a Christian, take up John Stott's book "Why I Am A Christian" and learn from one of the greatest Bible teachers in modern times about how Jesus Christ was his ultimate reason for identifying himself as a life-long Christian.
"If we become aware of the relentless pursuit of Christ, and give up trying to escape from him, and surrender to the embrace of 'this tremendous lover', there will be no room for boasting in what we have done. There will only be room for profound thanksgiving for his grace and mercy, and for the firm resolve to spend time and eternity in his loving service."
- John Stott, Why I Am A Christian, Chapter 1, pg 31
