The ABC's of Salvation...

Jesus is truly the best friend and helper there is. If you don't know Him as your Lord and Savior, here's how to find Him.

Believe That God Loves You

Sometimes it's hard to believe, but yes, God loves all of us. No matter what we've done, or who we are, God loves us all - each the same. He loves us so much that He sent His most precious gift to us: His Son.

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; NIV)

Believe That Sin Separates You From God

Sin is a willful disobedience against what you know God wants you to do, or what you know to be right. Things like lying, cheating, stealing, etc., are sins. Everyone has sinned - no exceptions.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23; NIV)

These sins separate us from the love of God because we turn our backs on Him. They do more than separate us from Him in this life, however, because the eventual destination of a life of sin is death and eternal separation from God.

For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23; NIV)

No matter how hard we try, we can't save ourselves - we can't cure our own sin. Something more has to be done.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9; NIV)

Believe that Jesus Died for You and Rose Again

Jesus was that "something more". In order to save us, He had to sacrifice Himself for us in our stead. He literally became the one on whom all the blame for our sins was placed. Since sin leads to death, the payment also was death - the death of God's own Son, dying in our place.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8; NIV)

But Jesus did more than die for us - He rose again, showing His power over death. Our sins need not destroy us in either this life, or the life to come! He rose again so that we might have a full life, both now and in eternity, with Him!

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10; NIV)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36; NIV)
But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23; NIV)

Ask God for Forgiveness and Repent

Tell God you're sorry for everything you've ever done that was against His plan for you. Mean it with your heart. Truly intend that you will not repeat those sins in the future - and believe that God will help you in that intent. Be willing to have Christ change your life completely.

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; NIV)

Receive Him Into your Heart as Your Savior

Jesus is waiting for you. He may have even made advances - a person in your life may have asked you to go to church, or something may be happening in your life that you just don't understand, but with which you need help.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in. (Revelation 3:20; NIV)

Believe that He will save you if you ask. Believe that simply by asking His forgiveness that He will adopt you as His child. You'll be a child of God, adopted through the blood of Christ!

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12; NIV)

Say this to God - meaning every word:

Jesus - I believe that you love me, and that you died to save me and rose again to give me life. I want to live. I know that I need your forgiveness, and I confess to you my sins. I'll live my life for you now - help me to give up my past and not repeat my sins. I know that you will help me to live for you. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me, and giving me a new life.

Follow Him

Welcome to the kingdom of God! It's filled with wonderful people - some who've known Christ for all their lives, and others who are just as new as you may be. We're all in this together, and we all help each other. You'll find that we hurt when you hurt, and that we feel happiness when you are happy. You'll find that we all stumble from time to time, and make mistakes - we aren't perfect. But we all believe in God's saving grace, and through Christ's gift of salvation, we all are His family. So, welcome to the family! For help in maintaining your new life,

• Be assured that Christ forgives you.
• Read your Bible and pray daily.
• Find a church.
• Become a vital part of that church.
• Share your faith with others.

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