There are big questions that haunt all of us. What happens when I die? Where will I spend eternity? The single most important question that you will ever answer is this: "If I were to die today, would I spend eternity in Heaven with God?" Your relationship to Jesus Christ is central to the answer to that question.
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The Bible tells us in 1 John 5:13, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life..." The simple truth is God wants you to know where you're going. So, here it is in a nutshell:
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Recognize Your Condition
In order to find the way to eternal life with God, we must admit we are lost in sin. Romans 5:12 teaches us that ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, a sin nature has been present in all people. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Sin is any act contrary to God's laws and commandments, and those sins that we have committed separate us from God. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The "wage" or payment of our sin is spiritual death, and eternal separation from God.
Religion & Good Works
Are Not the Answer
Religions try to create their own ways to God. Their systems may seem logical, but they cannot bridge the gap created by our sin. Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." In other words, our thoughts and ways are not what matter. God's Word, the Bible, provides true answers of grace and forgiveness. In Ephesians 2:8-9 the bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The Good News: Jesus Christ Provides the Way!
Even though we were lost and separated from God, He loved us, and because He is love, God sent His son to die on the cross and raise from the dead three days later. John 3:16 explains "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, He became the payment for our sin. Now, we do not have to pay for our sin ourselves. By His grace, salvation is provided. In Romans 5:8, the Bible says, "But God commendeth (demonstrated, showed or proved) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Believe & Receive Christ
In order to have a relationship with God and an eternal home in Heaven, we must stop trusting ourselves, our works and our religions; and place our full trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of our sin. In Romans 10:9 the Bible says, "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." That is a promise directly from God that if you will confess Jesus as Lord while believing in your heart that He died, was buried and three days later rose again to pay for your sin penalty, that He will save you. He promises to save you and give you the free gift of eternal life. You can make that decision today by praying from your heart something like this: Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins. I want to turn from my own way and beliefs and call on you today to save me. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Saviour. Amen!