Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH
 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 by sending us an e-mail
to info@lifeway.com.
If you are not ready to contact us now, you may enjoy viewing
this presentation of Jesus Christ's influence.
Pastors and church leaders, visit FAITH
on LifeWay.com for more information about the FAITH Sunday
School Evangelism Strategy®. |
