All of this is extraordinarily encouraging to all of mankind. It shows us that God wants to be friends with us, and he desires for us to have a bright, everlasting future. All we have to do, is turn to him. He wants us to love him, the way that King David did, and for us to become his children, by placing our trust in Jesus.
In John 14:21-24, Jesus puts it this way:
"'Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. My Father will love those who love me; I too will love them and reveal myself to them.'
Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, 'Lord, how can it be that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?'
Jesus answered him, 'Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them. Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.'"
-John 14:21-24
And then, of course, there's John 3:16; which is probably the most popular verse that's ever used, when talking about the Gospel:
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life."
-John 3:16
All of these things make it abundantly clear that God loves us, and wants to be friends with all of us. He takes special notice of those who choose to draw near to him. Being a Christian isn't just about going to church, praying, or simply maintaining some old family tradition. It's about choosing to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's the only way to be friends with God, get to Heaven, and avoid Hell.
Finally, I want to talk about one last good example. It's an example that is, also, found in the Old Testament.
As was said, many times before, God has given us many examples. However, the example of Daniel, is very precious to me. This is because, any of us can, easily, choose to have a lot in common with Daniel, and, in addition to this, Daniel received some of the most encouraging words that anyone could ever hear. They were spoken to him, multiple times, by an angel.
In Daniel, chapter 9, we read that Daniel did something that any of us, can choose to do. He read God's word, and he prayed. These were common practices for Daniel, and, in chapter 9, we see that God takes notice of his devotion and sincerity.
If you read the book of Daniel -- particularly chapter 9 through the end of the book, you'll notice that the angel keeps telling Daniel that God loves him. Just look at Daniel 9:21-23, or Daniel 10:12. These are short verses where the angel tells Daniel that God loves him, or has taken notice of him. The very last verse, in the book of Daniel, had to be extremely encouraging to him.
Why did God respond to Daniel, in this way? What special thing did Daniel do? As was said, before, he poured out his heart to God; confessing his sins. He, also, spent time reading God's word.
Here are those verses, that I mentioned, earlier:
"While I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came flying down to where I was. It was the time for the evening sacrifice to be offered. He explained, 'Daniel, I have come here to help you understand the prophecy. When you began to plead with God, he answered you. He loves you, and so I have come to tell you the answer. Now pay attention while I explain the vision.'"
-Daniel 9:21-23
"Then he said, 'Daniel, don't be afraid. God has heard your prayers ever since the first day you decided to humble yourself in order to gain understanding. I have come in answer to your prayer.'"
-Daniel 10:12
The book of Daniel ends with this verse:
"And you, Daniel, be faithful to the end. Then you will die, but you will rise to receive your reward at the end of time."
-Daniel 12:13
Imagine hearing something so encouraging, from an angel who was sent by the sovereign God of the universe!
This kind of assurance is something that's offered to all of us. We must do what all of those great examples did. We must cultivate a close relationship with God, by trusting in what he has promised. Jesus is our promised savior. We can trust his words; as said in John 14:23. He and the Father will live with us, if we trust in him; as described in John 3:16. It's not about following a family tradition. It's about having a personal relationship with Christ.
If you're a Christian, don't be afraid, or reluctant, to identify with Christ. After all, what would it mean if a married man is vague about being married?
Jesus is more direct, concerning this matter. He says that, if you deny knowing him, he'll deny knowing you, when judgment day comes.
"Those who declare publicly that they belong to me, I will do the same for them before my Father in heaven. But those who reject me publicly, I will reject before my Father in heaven."
-Matthew 10:32-33
Don't be like the example that I gave at the beginning of this article -- like the man who couldn't decide or state whether or not he's married. Just like marriage, when it comes to being a Christian, such a stance, just doesn't work.
If you're not quite certain of how to become a Christian, feel free to read an article, that I've written, that's entitled How to Get to Heaven. You can read it by clicking here.