Getting Right With God
SAVING FAITH?
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All good reporters and investigators are taught to follow certain questions to their final conclusion to get to the bottom of an issue or story. Well, the gospel is a fantastic story that deals with the most urgent issue possible. The issue is our relationship to the God who created us. Investigate these questions:
Who? The issue involves everyone, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) And, because we've all sinned, the gospel is for everyone as well - "It is not God's will that any perish, but all should come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Peter 3:9)
What? The what involves three things: 1) our sin; 2) His sacrifice; and, 3) His gift. It's sin that separates people from God. He is Holy and therefore, cannot allow rebellion (sin) in His presence. So, God devised a plan to pay the penalty for sin for all people for all time. That payment was Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary. That sacrifice now allows God to give eternal life away because it's already been paid for - as if each recepient had earned it themselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 says it so very well: "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, so that no one may boast."
When? The sacrifice was made 2,000 years ago, but it must be received now. John wrote: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." (John 1:12)
Where? The sacrifice was made outside the city walls of Jerusalem on a criminal's cross, but the reception must be made by one's heart and mind today. It's not a question of merely accepting the right facts about Jesus, but we must receive Him into our hearts by faith.
Why? Without doing so, we cannot cure the rebellion with which we're born. Should we die prior to getting that relationship settled, we will no hope of being able to enter heaven and live with God for eternity. Remember: He cannot allow sin in His presence!
How? For some, it's a process as it takes them time to walk through the necessary steps. For others, it's instantaneous as they are so ready to receive without reservations. Here's how: 1) You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, died for your sins and rose again from the grave where He was buried; 2) You must be willing to turn away from rebelling against God and make whatever changes He deems needful and necessary; 3) You must by faith ask Jesus into your heart and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior - it's the outcry from your heart God is waiting to hear.
The particular words you pray aren't as important as the fact that you honestly surrender your life to Him and invite Him into your life to save and change you. If you need help, here's a prayer that if prayed honestly and sincerely, God will honor. He has done so for thousands upon thousands of others. "Dear Lord, I know I'm a sinner and I have lived a life contrary to your desires. Once and for all, I place my trust in Jesus and what He did on the cross and in the resurrection, to pay the penalty for my rebellion and give me eternal life. Jesus, I ask you to come into my heart, forgive all my sin and save me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and take control of my life right now. Thank you for bringing me into a right relationship with God. From this day forward, I'll live my life under your direction. In Jesus' name I receive and give you my praise. Amen."
The Bible teaches us what Jesus came to do and how to live once we've received Him. I urge you to get an easy to read translation and begin to study it daily. Find a Bible-teaching church and let the pastor know that you've recently asked Jesus into your heart. He should direct you to make a public confession of Jesus as your Lord and Savior and follow that with a public baptism in water - these are essential steps in your obedience to your Savior.
You'll also want to get involved in that church so you can worship regularly and grow into a mature Christ-follower. If you're close to BC3, please join us this Sunday for worship @ 10:30 a.m. We're not a perfect church made up of perfect people; we're people who've made the same step you've just made and are learning how to live out our faith in a meaningful and Spirit-directed way. Come join us.