When God created mankind beginning with Adam and Eve, He made humans to live eternally. That means forever and never ending.
But then Eve was deceived and Adam participated in disobedience to God (known as sin), and thus what is known as the “fall of man.”
All humans are born into sin due to the fall of man and we are separated from God.
However, God, who is love, made a way for all of us to be reconciled to Him. He gave us a promise that He would send a Savior, Jesus Christ to rescue us from the eternal separation from Him.
Jesus lived a life without sin so that He could become sin for us. Jesus was born to the virgin Mary, who was a descendant of King David and the Holy Spirit came upon her.
“The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35 NLT).
Jesus was born as the Son of God, yet full man who lived a life free of sin.
When Jesus was convicted and received to the death penalty, he was innocent. Yet, the beatings and the time on the cross—He did that for you and me. HE took all our sins upon Himself and His blood sacrifice paid the penalty for our sins.
After Jesus’ crucifixion, He was placed in a borrowed tomb. But three days later, the tomb was empty as the God, the Father, raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand.
Jesus secured our freedom—He paid our ransom by the shedding of His blood and now we are justified before the Lord. With Jesus as our Savior, we are made in right standing with HIS righteousness and will be able to enter eternal life with God instead of being separated from Him.
But…there is a condition. We find that condition in Romans 10:9-10 (NLT):
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”
God kept His promise and made a way for each one of us to receive this free gift of eternal life. His promise came through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus.
Now it is up to each of us to choose. You must choose to receive His gift of life. It’s as easy as A-B-C. Here’s how:
Acknowledge your sin.
Everyone who does not live a life in perfect obedience to the Lord is guilty of sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This admission is a vital step of repentance and makes the way for us to receive salvation. Repentance is turning away from sin and turning toward God.
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).
Believe Jesus is the Son of God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
When we believe God provided salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, we receive the promise of the gift of eternal life.
Confess Jesus is Lord.
Again we return to Romans 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”
When we declare with our mouth that Jesus is Lord of our life, we surrender our life to Him giving Him authority. We then have the desire to do His will, not our own will.
If you’re ready to receive Christ as your Savior, here’s a prayer.
Father God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner and do not measure up to Your righteous standard. I deserve to be separated from You but thank You for making a way for me to be reconciled to You. I believe You sent Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, who lived a perfect life so that He paid my penalties and received my judgment on the cross. I believe that He was raised up on the third day and now sits at Your right hand as my Lord and Savior. Today I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior and turn from my independence and surrender my life completely to You. I ask You to fill me with the Holy Spirit to empower me with Your grace to live my life according to Your will. Thank You Lord for my new life and Your promise to live in eternity with You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Congratulations! The angels are rejoicing in the heavens. It’s important for you to share your new faith with other believers. Find a Bible believing, Spirit-filled church and connect with others who will help you grow in your faith. If you need assistance, hit the contact button and I’ll be glad to assist you.
Blessings in Christ,
Shonda Savage Whitworth