What most of us do not realize is the need for eternal life does not begin after death. Its need is here and now. You can feel it, or more likely feel the absence of something essential and vital within. It is our spiritual life, the invisible part of what makes us human.
The good news is, there is an answer. The greatest source for all spiritual answers can be found in the bible, written by 44 very different people, in three languages, spanning four thousand years. Yet the message of eternal life sings out of its pages as if one great Hand had written their words. This is because the Creator wanted us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, He has provided us a way back to Himself. Those who have written the bible were people just like you and I; the only difference is each one had a spiritual encounter with God. Here are some simple verses from the Bible to guide your feet onto the paths of eternal life, now, today.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him may not perish, but have life eternal. For God has not sent his Son into the world that he may judge the world, but that the world may be saved through him."
John 3: 16-17
You know it was never God’s intention that you feel far from Him. Think of someone that you love with all your heart, someone you would do anything for. That is how God feels about you. But what if this person you love so much wants nothing to do with you. They have numbed their heart toward you. That is what mankind has done to God. It sounds too simple to be true, but I am sure you have learned that some of the deepest things in life really boil down to very simple principles. So it is with God. He loves His Creation, but they are too into themselves to love Him back. It is an inward focus, or self-centeredness, a spiritual sickness the Bible calls sin.
"for there is no difference; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"
Romans 3:22-23
Receiving eternal life is not about us trying to win His heart with a lot of good works, like going to church or penance. It’s about receiving the free gift of salvation. What are we saved from? Our sin, the spiritual cancer every one of us is born with. It’s not hard to see sin, just pick up the morning paper, or look at the things you battle with daily. Your sin is evil to God, and if we are honest, it is evil to ourselves. He cannot just pretend it does not exist, just as a good parent cannot simply look away from their children’s disobedience. Sin grows, corrupts all it touches, and it needs to be destroyed.
When Jesus died on the cross He took the sins of all the earth upon Himself, so we could be free from its power. Jesus, the Son of God, in a historic act, two thousand years ago, broke the power of sin. He died for you. It was love that drove Him to it. Love for you. Jesus died, but on the third day, He arose from the dead, conquering death, so mankind can have life eternal because we were made for eternal life, not death. This is not some fairy tale, it really happened. Many witnesses saw Him after His resurrection, some testifying in the Bible. This is not to mention the millions of lives that have been totally changed by calling on Jesus to be Lord of their life. People going from death to life. Sinful people like you and me.
Look at this verse:
""Men, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.""
Acts 16: 30-31
You have a “believer” in you. We all do. God put it there. It can believe in lies, like so many have, leading to a life of misery. Or it can believe in the truth. What we believe in will direct the course of our entire life. God asks us to believe in His Son Jesus Christ, who is called “the truth and the way.” (John 14:6) What does believing mean? It means faith, trust. It means you are willing to give your whole life to Jesus, live by His teaching, make Him Lord of your life. Not a Church or Religion, but Jesus. The good news is, it does not matter how much you have messed you’re life up. If you pick up the broken pieces, Jesus will take them and make something beautiful. In fact He specializes in fixing lives, because it is often not until a life is broken that it is ready to surrender to God.
"Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me."
Revelations 3:20
Here is a prayer you can pray. It is not some magic formula that if spoken will make all things better. Real prayer comes from your heart. This little prayer is simply a guide. But if this prayer is prayed from the heart, the result will be magical. Jesus will come and live with you; He will become your closest friend. You will be set free from sin, and have eternal life. It will be an ending and new beginning.
PRAYER OF SALVATION
Dear God, I’m not very good at praying, but I know I need you. I have sinned; there is no doubt about that. Every day I struggle with sin. I am tired of trying to run my life. I can’t do it. Lord, I give you my life. All of it. I ask Your Son Jesus to be my Savoir; I ask You to take His blood and wash away my sin. Jesus, I invite You into my heart. I don’t want to be alone anymore. I will live the rest of my life in obedience to You. Teach me Your ways. Show me how to live. Thank You for receiving me as your child.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
If you have invited Jesus Christ into your heart there is great rejoicing in heaven. “there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents."(Luke 15:10) This is the love God has for you. But what now?
Here are some important verses to look at:
"if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved"
Romans 10: 9
Tell someone, about the decision you have made. Put a post on the BB, or email me ron@freedomyou.com I would love to hear from you. You will find great encouragement from a whole family of brothers and sisters, and telling others will help solidify your decision.
"And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2: 38
Baptism is going under water and being brought back out again. It symbolizes being united with Jesus in his death and resurrection, which is what happened when you became a Christian. It is a public profession of your faith. There is a wonderful blessing that comes with being baptized. Find a Bible believing, Church; surround yourself with people who love Jesus like you do so they can help you grow in your faith. They will explain further about baptism.
Start reading the Bible each day. It is God’s Holy Word to you, packed with information on how to grow in your new faith. Pray to God, in the Name of Jesus. There is power in that Name. Talk to Him about everything. He is your very best Friend. The New International Version is an accurate, easy to read translation. A great starting point is the book of John found in the New Testament.
Remember, the Christian life is not always easy. There are challenges, but now the struggles of your life have hope and eternal value. And you no longer have to face them alone.
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