Did you know that God has offered forgiveness for your sins and assurance of eternal life through faith in His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ?
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He w
ho believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:16-18, NKJV
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” - John 17:3, NKJV
You may be asking yourself: “How can I know God?” Man is able to know the true and living God through the truth of His Word, that is, the Bible. It is through reading His Word that we come to a knowledge of the righteousness of God and that which He requires of us. What is it that prevents us from personally knowing God? Our sin has separated us from God - our corruption is to such a degree that we cannot know Him personally and cannot experience His love. God’s Word says,
“…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” - Romans 3:23, NKJV
Man was created to enjoy fellowship with God, but because of his sin (i.e., anything that is against the righteousness revealed in God’s Law) he is prevented from that fellowship. This includes anything less than perfect obedience to God's commands.
“For the wages of sin is death…” - Romans 6:23a, NKJV
The ultimate result of this death is an eternity in Hell (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). This spiritual death forces a separation from God. Man is sinful and God is holy. This creates a gulf unbridgeable by man making that intended fellowship impossible.
“…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23b, NKJV
God’s eternal plan was to send His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross and take on our punishment (Romans 5:8; Galatians 4:4; 1 John 4:10). He knew no sin and yet became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He died in our place. This removed our burden of sin and allowed us to enter into that desired fellowship through faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). It is not just enough that you know these truths. We must individually place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This means repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus Christ as God's Son who came to earth as a human to die for our sins so that we might have everlasting life with Him. Placing our trust in Jesus requires faith, which is a hope‐filled belief in Jesus even though we don't see Him face to face (John 20:29; Hebrews 11:1). And salvation is by faith alone, not by any works we could do to please God (John 6:28-29).
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:8-10, NKJV
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” - John 1:12, NKJV
Those who place their trust in Jesus become God’s children; and as heirs to heaven are promised the eternal pleasure of glorifying God (Rom. 8:16-17; Gal. 3:29). As our life here on earth progresses, God will continue to work in our hearts, daily changing and conforming us into the image of Christ, Himself (1 John 3:2). We will begin to live lives of righteousness. Obedience to God will not be a burden to us, but rather a joy. The invitation to place your trust in Jesus Christ by faith is open to all. Friend, if you are not a child of God, we pray that today would be the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” - Romans 10:9-10, NKJV
If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ by faith, you may be wondering “What next?” Our greatest recommendation for believers, new and old, is fourfold:
Locate a Bible‐based church that soundly preaches the Word and rejoice in the fellowship of other Christians. Study the Bible for that is where we learn of the greatness of God and His plans. Pray to God, asking Him to strengthen your faith and increase your love toward Him. Enjoy the blessings given by God in the heavenly ordained sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. All of these are meant to encourage and build up your faith as well as the faith of those around you.
