I believe. It is by faith that I believe. Something like this requires faith because it sounds so impossible (?). I can only tell you that I know it's real because I know what has happened to my life since I turned from my sin and accepted Jesus into my heart and made him my LORD and Savior! I am a new person. My life is controlled by Him. I want it that way. He protects me. When I do things His way, things turn out better. I obey His commands not to earn my salvation but because I know He knows what is best for me. It's like the rules you give your kids - you are not going to love them any less or tell them they are not part of the family anymore because they disobey - sure you'll be displeased but your love will not change. The rules are there to protect them, to keep them safe.
I think all Christians should watch the movie "The Passion of the Christ". It shows the truly brutal beatings and the crucifixion of Jesus. Some say it is way too violent. Too bloody. Too gory. It is. I watch and I sob. I try to put myself there, in that time. As one of the disciples. I get angry that no one stood up for Jesus. I wonder if I would have done the same. These were men who loved Jesus. Said they'd die with him. But when it came right down to it - they fled. What if I was Mary Magdalene - watching at the foot of the cross - heart breaking. I'm sure I'd have trouble breathing. My heart is filled with so much love for this man who was beaten for me. For you. For the world. How could you not owe him your life? To be perfectly honest I don't think I would willingly suffer like that for anyone, well maybe there are a few people, but to suffer for someone that doesn't love me or may never love me? I know I would not even consider it. But Jesus loved us so much he did it while we were still sinners, before we ever loved Him. Wow - that's love!
