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What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck?
Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more?
The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of FAITH.
- F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have
eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ)
we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins."
- A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available
for all. John 3:16 says, "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." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to me,
'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.
- I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God
to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is
loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says,
"Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been
merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
- T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We
can repent - or turn - from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you
repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn
to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That if
you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
- H is for HEAVEN. Heaven is eternal life.
Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it
means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am
(John 14:3)."
So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and
Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for
forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of
FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to
change your life. You don't need fancy words - only an honest heart. You can
pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I
believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and
resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come
into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by
living a life that pleases You.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with
God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:
- Follow Christ's example in baptism.
- Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
- In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
- Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study
the Bible and pray.
We'd love to hear from you - Please feel free to ask us any questions
you have about becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow
Jesus Christ. Please let us know how we can serve you. Send us your comments. If
you are not ready to contact us now, you may enjoy viewing this presentation of
Jesus Christ's influence.
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