HOW TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD

1. Understand that people are sinful and incapable of reaching God on their own.

The Bible says "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). So whether you only occasionally lose your temper, or have actually committed murder, we all have the same condition that keeps us from having a personal relationship with God. This condition is called sin, an inborn desire to disobey God. And it keeps us from God, no matter how hard we try to reach God. No form of technology, no religious ritual, church membership, new philosophy, or even high morals can get us right with God. In fact, all we deserve is the punishment of death: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

2. Understand that God sent Jesus Christ to rescue us.

Jesus was a man who made amazing claims 2,000 years ago. He claimed to be God. He claimed to be able to forgive sins. He claimed to be able to raise the dead. He claimed that the religious leaders of the time were only fakes. Some believed Him after He performed miracles, healed the sick, and gave sight to the blind. The religious leaders, on the other hand, were so offended by his claims that they found a way to have him unjustly condemned in a Roman court. He was then tortured and executed by being nailed to a cross make of wooden logs.

The Bible explains why Jesus purposely allowed Himself to be captured and executed. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this - that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In other words, it was out of God's love and His desire to rescue people from darkness that Jesus died on a cross. Through His death He took upon Himself the punishment for sin that we deserved, and mysteriously makes us sinners acceptable to a holy and perfect God. This was another amazing claim that offended religious leaders.

But on the third day, He rose from the dead, and was seen by over 500 witnesses. 2,000 years later, scholars and skeptics still have not been able to disprove this miracle. By rising from the dead, Jesus proved that He was not a crazy man, but God Himself whose every claim is true.

3. Believe in all that Jesus did and promised for your life.

Jesus applied all His claims to those who believe. This belief is called faith. Jesus claimed, "I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life." (John 6:47) "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9) "This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." (Rom. 3:22) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

Jesus Christ promises not only eternal life, but also joy, peace, love, forgiveness, victory over sinful habits, self-control, special abilities, hope, and security. If you truly believe, with certainty, in the story and claims of Jesus Christ, you become right with God, and all that Christ promised becomes yours. Believing is the key.

Lord Jesus, I believe. I know that I am a sinner. Thank You for taking away my sins by dying on the cross. From what You promised, I now know that You have made me right with God. Also, thank You for giving me a new and eternal life. Out of my gratitude, I now want to live my life for You. Take me, and make me more like You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Is this the prayer of your heart? If so, pray it right now, and thank Him for saving you.  Please contact one of our staff so that we may celebrate your new life with you!

Pastor Randal K. Young