God

God is merciful, and therefore doesn’t want to punish us.

This is because “ . . . God is love” (1 John 4:8). And He says, “ . . . I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).

But the same Bible which tells us that God loves us, also tells us that God is just and therefore must punish sin. He says “. . . (I) will by no means clear the guilty . . .” (Exodus 34:7). And “. . . the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4).

We have a problem. God solved this problem for us in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Christ

Who is He? The Bible tells us clearly that He is the infinite God-Man.

“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus). . . and the Word (Jesus) was God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us . . .” (John 1:1,14).

Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless life, but while on earth, what did he do? He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in Heaven.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

Jesus Christ bore our sin in His body on the cross and now offers you eternal life (Heaven) as a free gift.

This gift is received by faith.

Faith

Many people mistake two things for saving faith:

Saving faith is not mere head knowledge, like believing certain historical facts. The Bible says that the devil believes there is one God, so believing that there is one God is not saving faith.

Saving faith is also not mere temporal faith, that is, trusting God for temporary crises such as financial, family, or physical needs. Now these are good, and you should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith!

Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. It means resting upon Christ alone and what He has done rather than in what you or I have done to get us into Heaven.

“. . . Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved . . .” (Acts 16:31).

The question that God is asking you now is would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?

Commitment

Because this is such an important matter let’s clarify just what it involves.

It means that you need to:

· Transfer your trust

From what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on His cross

· Accept Christ as Savior

Open the “door” to your heart and invite Him in.

He says: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to Him . . . .” (Revelation 3:20)

· Receive Jesus Christ as Lord

Give Him the “driver’s seat” and “controls” of your life, not the “back seat.”

· Repent

Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.

Now, if this is what you really want, you can go to God in prayer right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ right now.

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:10,13).

If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him asking Him for this gift right now. Here’s a suggested prayer:

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of eternal life. I know I’m a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But You loved me so You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. I now trust in You alone for eternal life and repent of my sin. Please take control as Lord of my life. Thank you so much!”

If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him:“. . . I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life” (John 6:47).

Welcome to Gods family

If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away) from your sins, placed your trust in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, and received the gift of eternal life you are now a child of God! Forever!

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name”(John 1:12).

Today is your spiritual birthday—a day you will always want to remember! The Bible speaks of those who receive eternal life in these words:

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13).

Spiritual Growth

Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way you can grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:

Read the Bible

Starting with the Gospel of John, read a chapter each day. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word (of God), that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).

Pray

Spend time each day talking with God. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Worship

Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1). “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Fellowship

Join with Christians who will help you grow in faith. “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).

Witness

Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you! “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me . . .” (Acts 1:8).