The Bad News
We're all sinners. That means we've fallen short of the mark, we've messed up, we've done things shouldn't have. Perhaps even some things we're downright ashamed of. These things—these sins—put a huge gap between us and God.
Some people think they can "make it up" to God. They say, "Sure, I've messed up sometimes. Hey, I'm only human, right? But the good stuff I've done outweighs the bad stuff." Sadly, there's nothing you can do in your own power to make up for your sin. Pretty serious, isn't it.
The Good News
About 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from sin. See, Jesus was perfect--He never sinned. Yet God loves us so much that He sent Jesus--His only perfect and dearly loved Son--to die in our place. In His painful last hours, Jesus took the punishment you and I deserved for our sins. And when Jesus died on the cross, He took our sins with Him. His death bridged the gap that separated us from God.
Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection gave us three things: First, it let us trust Jesus, because when He rose from the grave, He proved to be all He claimed to be. Second, it gave us the promise of life after death. If God can ressurect Jesus, He can ressurect us too! And third, it gave us hope. After all, God must love us very much to have let His perfect Son suffer and die for us--especially when we don't deserve such mercy!
Believe Him
It's good to know what Jesus did, and to know how much God loves us. But knowing isn't enough to make things right between you and God. You've got to believe it! You've got to believe Jesus is the Son of God--that He lived, died, and came back from death to save you from your sins. And if you believe it, it means you also realize you've sinned and that you need Him to forgive you of those sins.
Jesus has already taken the first step. He wants to forgive you and help you live life the right way. All that needs to happen now is for you to take a step of faith ...
Get Jesus
If you believe Jesus and want to give your life to Him, pray this prayer:
God, I know I've messed up. I know I have sinned. And I know my sins have put a gap between us. But you said in the Bible that if I say out loud Jesus is Lord, and believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. I do believe in my heart You raised Jesus from the dead. Please forgive me for my sins. I turn away from them, and I am giving my life to You right now. My past life is behind me, and now I am a new creature. Jesus, thank You for forgiving me and for saving me. Amen!
What Next?
Maybe you weren't ready to pray for salvation, but you still have questions. We want to help you find the answers you seek. Or, if you prayed for salvation, welcome to the family of God! We're excited about this wonderful step you've taken.
Wherever you stand, we're anxious to help you. Please get in touch so we can encourage and assist you.