GOD’S PURPOSE: ETERNAL LIFE
God loves you and created you for a purpose: to know him and have a personal, eternal relationship with him.
“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).
Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
PEOPLE’S PROBLEM: SIN AND SEPARATION
People miss the life God intends for them because they choose to go their own way and fall short of his perfect standard. Defying God in this way is called sin, and it separates us from God and prevents us from having a relationship with him. In fact, sin is so radically opposed to God’s perfect character that it requires the most extreme penalty: death and eternal separation from God.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
GOD’S SOLUTION: JESUS CHRIST
We cannot make our way to God through our own imperfect efforts. So God himself chose to provide the perfect payment for sin. He sent his Son, Jesus, to die in our place, bridging the gap between himself and humanity. We can only come to God on his terms.
“Christ died for sins once and for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ ” (John 14:6).
YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSE: CONFESSION AND FAITH
You must personally respond to Jesus’ sacrifice by turning from your old sinful life and trusting him to give you a new life. Salvation through Christ is a free gift. Accepting it is an act of faith.
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
IF YOU ARE READY TO TRUST JESUS WITH YOUR LIFE, PRAY SOMETHING LIKE THIS:
"Lord Jesus, I’ve gone my own way and sinned against you. Have mercy on me and forgive my sin. I believe you are God’s Son who died in my place, then rose from the dead with the power and authority to give me a new life. Thanks for making me a child of God. I now surrender my life to you and your purposes. Give me, by your Holy Spirit, the boldness to confess my faith in you to others. I ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen."
WHAT NOW?
- Tell Someone. This helps confirm your decision and can inspire you to demonstrate a real change.
- Start Praying. This helps you grow in your relationship with God and keeps you connected to his power and guidance.
- Read the Bible. This helps you get to know God better and discover his plans for your life.
- Get Involved. Becoming active in a strong Bible-based church can help you grow spiritually, provide accountability, and allow you to use your unique gifts to honor God and help others.
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