The Bible tells us that everyone is a sinner:

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23)

You must realize that there is a punishment for sin:

"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23a)

This does not mean only physical death, but also spiritual death:

"...fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28b)

Jesus died on the cross for your sins:

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

And then He rose from the dead, conquering death:

"Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;" (Acts 10:40)

Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, eternal life becomes a free gift from God:

"Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." (Romans 5:18)

"...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23b)

Just like any gift, it doesn't become yours until you receive it. To receive God's gift of eternal life, you must call on the name of the Lord:

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

Time is growing short, and you should not put off your decision. The Bible tells us:

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Jesus said He is the only way you can receive eternal life:

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

The Bible says you must repent of your sins and receive Him as your Lord and Savior:

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19)

If you don't, you are already condemned for eternity:

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)

Accepting Him as your Lord and Savior will empower you to endure the trials and tribulations of everyday life until He comes for His own in the Rapture of the Church. Jesus freely offers you comfort and guidance through the Holy Spirit for your life today, and eternal salvation through Him for your life tomorrow...and forever.

To receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, simply do as the Bible tells us in Romans 10:9-10 above...believe in Him with your heart, and confess Him as Lord with your mouth. You can say this prayer or one similar for your confession:

Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins, and God raised You from the dead. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. In Your name, amen.

But you may be thinking, there is no example in the Bible of a 'sinner's prayer'. True, but we are told to "confess with our mouth" (Romans 10:9a) because the verbal confession produces salvation (Romans 10:10b). That's why any verbal confession to Him is heard, and why I said above "or one similar". But, heartfelt belief must also accompany the verbal confession (Romans 10:9b) because heartfelt belief produces righteousness (Romans 10:10a). Our outward confession is a product of our inward belief. One can use any prayer they want for their confession, I only offer an example. But if you don't mean it with your heart, He knows.

Remember the thief on the cross? He simply confessed Him as Lord and asked the Lord to remember him when He came into His Kingdom (Luke 23:42). That was his verbal confession which the Lord knew he meant with his heart.

Time is growing short and the Lord Jesus Christ is gathering His Church in preparation to take them Home. If you're not saved, please consider His offer with an open heart. If you are saved, praise God for it, and please share His offer with someone you love.

Keith

04-22-2005