God loves you and wants you to know that He has a plan for your life.
The Bible says: “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly.” John 10:10b (NASB)
God has given each of us a free will to choose to follow or to reject Him. Unfortunately, since Adam man has chosen to disobey God and to go his own way. Everyone has sinned against God.
The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
As hard as you may try, nothing you can do will compensate for your sins and bring you back into a right relationship with God.
The Bible says: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Someone must pay for your sins before you can be rightly-related to God. Because you cannot pay, God did. He loves you so much that He sent His perfect, sinless son Jesus to earth to be crucified on a cross for your sins. When Jesus died that agonizing death, He paid the penalty for you.
The Bible says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
If Jesus had not risen from the dead, you would still be separated from God by your sins. But He did. Jesus could not be overcome by death. He came back to life and now lives in heaven with His Father.
The Bible says: “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Romans 10:9
Because Christ died for your sins, He has the power to forgive your sins and wash them away.
The Bible says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
Jesus wants to give you the gift of salvation. But He won’t push His way into your life. You have to invite Him into your heart and ask Him to be your Savior and the Lord of your life.
Jesus says: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20
You can ask Him to come into your heart right now. Pray this prayer, or a similar one. The words you use aren’t as important as the meaning that comes from your heart.
“Jesus, I am a sinner. Thank you for taking my place and dying for my sins. Right now, I open the door of my heart and accept You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for forgiveness and for giving me a new life. Help me to be what You want me to be and to live each day for You. Amen.”
NOW WHAT?
If you sincerely asked Jesus into your heart, you have been reborn as a member of the family of God. To continue to grow in your relationship with Christ, you need to do the following things:
Tell someone about your decision to live for Christ.
Jesus says: “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
Read and study your Bible. God speaks to us through the Bible to let us know what He wants to do for us and through us.
The Bible says: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15
Pray every day. Talk to God and tell him about all of your joys and your problems. He wants you to depend on Him. Also, be sure to listen for God speaking to you.
The Bible says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Attend a Bible-teaching church. In fellowship with other believers we can encourage one another, study the Bible, worship the Lord and pray.
Jesus says: “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them of My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered in My name, there am I in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20