Heaven: Are You For Sure?
How to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ:
1. RECOGNIZE YOUR CONDITION.
In order to find the way to eternal life with God, I must admit I am lost in sin.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Sin is any act contrary to God’s laws and commandments, and those sins that I have committed separate me from God. Sin also has a penalty.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
The “wage” or payment for our sin is spiritual death, and eternal separation from God.
2. RELIGION AND GOOD WORKS ARE NOT THE ANSWER.
Religions try to create their own ways to God. Their systems may seem logical, but they cannot bridge the gap created by our sin.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
3. THE GOOD NEWS: JESUS CHRIST PROVIDED THE PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS.
Even though we were lost and separated from God, He loved us, and because He is love, God sent His Son to die on the Cross, be buried, and then rise from the dead three days later.
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, He became the payment for our sin. He took our place as our Substitute! Now, we do not have to pay for our sin ourselves. By His grace, salvation is provided.
“But God commendeth [meaning proved or demonstrated] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
4. REPENT AND BELIEVE TO RECEIVE THE FREE GIFT OF SALVATION THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.
In order to have a relationship with God and an eternal home in Heaven, we must turn from our sin and our own efforts to save ourselves and instead place our full trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sin and eternal life. Repentance is not about turning over a new leaf or reforming your lifestyle; it's about having a heart change about sin, seeing it as God sees it and wanting deliverance from it. Belief means more than just agreeing with some facts about Jesus. Rather, it is completely relying upon Jesus and Him alone to forgive your sins, satisfy the Father's wrath, and declare your righteous before a holy God.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
That is a promise directly from God that if you will pray to Him, confess that you are a sinner, ask Him to forgive your sins, and believe in Him alone to be your Savior, then He promises to save you and give you the free gift of eternal life. You can make that decision today by calling out to God in faith!
You'll never regret that decision! If you have just trusted Christ, we would love to know about your decision and give you a Bible and some other materials to help you learn more about that new relationship! Give us a call at (518) 399-3490 and let us know today!
For more information about Jesus, please download and read this booklet: