Some people think that going to 'Church', or doing 'good works' will get them to heaven. These actions are not the means of salvation, but evidences of a Christian life after one is saved. The Bible clearly shows us the process required.
The first issue to be dealt with is sin. Romans 3:23 says,
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
The only remedy is asking God’s forgiveness through repentance which is shown by Godly sorrow and a determined change of direction. Luke 13:3 says,
"…unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
It is nothing less than the precious Blood of Jesus, shed for mankind on the Cross at Calvary, that washes away our sin. 1 John 1:7 says –
"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
Believing faith is the next requirement. This is not just mental assent, but is the act of fully believing in your heart. Paul records in Romans 10:9,
"That if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead, you will be saved."
John 3:16 confirms this, saying,
"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."
The final step is to receive Him, which is the spiritual rebirth. John 1:12 records,
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name."
We call this process, being born again! Not only did Jesus speak these very words to Nicodemus when he inquired of the Lord, but Paul speaks of a rebirth into a brand new life in 2 Corinthians 5:17, saying,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away: behold, all things have become new."
All it takes is a simple prayer, spoken with a repentant, submitted and believing heart, to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour together with His promise of eternal life. You can settle this issue right now by praying this prayer –
Lord Jesus, I thank you that you died for my sins and I ask that you forgive me and cleanse me with your precious Blood. I renounce every spirit not of you and turn away from all sin. I believe you are the Son of God who died for me, and I receive you into my life now as my personal Lord and Saviour. I open the door of my heart and ask you to come in. I close the door of my heart with you inside. I thank you I’m born again as a child of God. Help me in my walk with you and lead me according to your will, in Jesus Name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, and meant it in your heart, you are now a brand new Christian. You have now become a part of the most amazing group of people on earth – the Body of Christ! Write to us and tell us the date and time of your decision so we can pray that God will really touch your life and begin to change you into the person He wants you to be. Make sure you find a good Bible believing, Bible teaching Church so you can grow in faith, and begin to mix with other Christians.
The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and that by faith in Him, when you give your heart to Him, He comes to you by His Holy Spirit to indwell you and live His life through you. He gives you the power to become a son or daughter of the living God and He gives you power to live above a life of sin.
The 'graphic' video clip, below, realistically portrays what the LORD JESUS CHRIST - perfect and sinless - suffered in order to pay the penalty of our sin - so we would need not perish, but rather have everlasting life.
