How to Know God
What does the Bible say about our need for Salvation?
The Bible teaches that there is an eternal God. He is the creator and sustainer of all things, including every single person. He is good, loving, sovereign, just and holy. He created this world, including mankind, free from sin. Mankind rebelled against its maker, thus causing both man and creation to be marred by sin ever since. All of us are now born as rebels against God, and we prove our sinfulness by our actions. Our sin forever separates us from a holy and just. There is nothing we can do to heal the rift, to close the gap. As the Bible says, we are dead in our sins.
While there is nothing we can do to save ourselves, God, in his mercy has made a way. The Bible says that in his great love and mercy, God sent Jesus Christ into the world to provide salvation for all who will put their trust in him. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He healed disease, performed miracles, and has compassion and mercy for all. On the cross, he willingly died in our place, receiving the penalty for our sins. He rose from the dead. In Christ, God offers forgiveness of our sins, the right to become children of God, and the chance to be a part of God's work in this world. While there is nothing we can do to earn all this, it can become ours through faith. Faith, in the Bible, means an active trust, an utter dependence, a sincere commitment to walk with God. It means actively putting our hope in Jesus. It means living for him.
It's all about Jesus. He lived a perfect life; we can't. He loved and obeyed His Father perfectly; we don't. He offered to take our punishment and so we could go free. Then Jesus actually died for our sin on the cross. Then God showed His pleasure in His Son's sacrifice by raising Him from the dead. Over 500 people saw him alive again, and told their story all over, even in courts of law! So convinced were His followers, they shared the message even when threatened with death.
So how do we recieve Jesus Christ?
1. Admit that you are a sinner, and that your sin separates you from God.
First, you must admit your spiritual need. The Bible says, "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others and our circumstances for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
2. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
The Bible says, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sin. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
3. Repent of your sins.
The word "repent" means "to change your direction." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God.
4. Commit to Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him and allow Him to do the "cleansing." Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).
Those are the basics. He has been helping you face your problems and sins for a long time. You may want to read more of the Bible to understand what Jesus did for you. We'd suggest you read the gospel of John or the book of Romans, and ask God to show you who Jesus really is, and how to follow him.
But you don't have to wait. You accept the God's offer of a new life and new relationship NOW.
You probably have a lot to talk to God about. Start with a simple prayer: "Father, today I want to accept your offer of forgiveness. Please God, forgive me of my sins and change my life. I want to obey you, please come into my life and show me how to live. Thank you for keeping your promises. In Jesus name, Amen.
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