In the daily grind of our lives, we all look for answers regarding our health, our financial situation, our job, our family and our future. We devote much time, energy, and resources in pursuing happiness and fulfillment of our lives on this earth. But how often do we think about where we will spend eternity? Whether you have all you could ever ask for or very little on this earth, this message of the cross is for you. It is really a message for all people from every nation.
God created each of us and created us in His own image. He created us male and female and loved each of us. But after God created us, we humans eventually turned from Him deciding to try our own way in this life, and began doing things God did not want us to do. We disobeyed God (sin). That is the state of all humans before we are in a right relationship with God. What we first have to realize is regardless of who we believe we are, where we come from, or whether we believe we are a good person or bad, the reality is we are all sinners. We have all fallen short of the persons God created us to be. We have sinned. The Bible tells us:
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
This sin in our lives separates us from God; it creates a barrier, a chasm between us and Him. It keeps us from having a full relationship with Him.
“Your iniquities [sins] have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
Many people spend their entire lives trying to earn God’s approval by following rules, attending religious services, or being a good person. People often think that through their personal efforts they can overcome the sin barrier between themselves and God. But there is nothing we can do to earn God’s approval–there is nothing we can do to span the chasm between us and God. The truth is that there is only one way to a fulfilling life and having an eternal future in Heaven.
Regardless of where we are in our lives, God still loves each of us and desires for everyone to share eternity with Him in Heaven. Being the gracious and merciful God that He is, God created a way so that we could be cleansed from our sin. Nothing brings Him more joy than when a person decides to follow Jesus. Heaven rejoices. The Bible explains to us:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16
God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ to the Earth, to ultimately die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. The only thing you must do to become a child of God, to put yourself in a right relationship with God, is to make a choice. You must decide that you want to accept Jesus as your Savior. This is the only way to eternity with God. The Bible tells us:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6
Being born in a certain nation or family cannot save you. Good works cannot save you. You cannot purchase your salvation. Being a good person and doing good deeds cannot save you. Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
All you have to do is turn to God, accept the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for you, ask God to forgive you of your sins, and allow God’s Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to come into our life and begin to transform you and make you anew.
If you would like to have this FREE GIFT of God, there are four simple steps you must do:
- See your need for salvation.
- Believe that Jesus died on the cross for you.
- Ask God to forgive you of all your sin.
- Invite Jesus into your life as Savior and Lord.
If you need help, all you need to do is pray this simple prayer:
Dear God, I realize that am a sinner, and I am in need forgiveness. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty of my sin and that it was through Your glory that he was resurrected three days later. I ask You to forgive me of all my sin and help me turn away from that life and live a life that is pleasing to you. I invite you to come into my heart and life and be my personal Savior. Amen.
If you just prayed to receive Christ for the first time, please give us a call (706-694-8023) or email us and let us know! We would love to help you grow, because accepting Christ is just the beginning of an awesome life-long journey! For a little more information on the next steps, click here.
All scriptures quoted are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.