This is one of the most important questions in life. Because of the significance and the joy involved in this topic, I will try to communicate as clearly as possible.
There are so many misperceptions and flat out confusion that the last thing we need here is ambiguity. Here are five elements that are core with knowing God.
How do you start a relationship with God?
God is not an impersonal force, this is a relationship.
"God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
God knows, loves, and pursues you before you ever respond by trusting God. You don't and can't earn God's love.
"God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Love includes commitment and sacrifice. True love is found in Jesus. It is a choice to receive love and a relationship with God includes receiving His love.
"And this is eternal life, that they know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3)
God Loves You
01
Holiness includes purity, perfection, and being set apart in a fallen world. There is tension because all of us have sinned and need God's forgiveness.
"All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Sin is rebellion against a holy God and ultimately means to miss the mark.
How can we be fully forgiven, accepted, and dwell with a holy God? No one can achieve holiness through religious effort, rules, or achievement.
This is not dead religion, Jesus is our living hope and the only One who overcame death and the grave. The tomb is empty and the evidence for the resurrection is solid.
God Is Holy
02
This leads us to grace, an undeserved gift, that is found in Jesus.
Jesus came to die for your sins, and the full payment for sin was paid by Him. In other words, if you had malignant cancer in your body, and it was given to Jesus - He would die and you would live.
This is God's solution so we are not eternally separated from a holy God, but can have peace with God and abide with Him now and forever.
"Christ died for your sins...He was buried...He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
When you decide to follow Jesus, there is no greater experience. There is no relationship like this relationship.
God Is Gracious
03
Jesus is far more than just the greatest teacher, prophet and miracle worker. Jesus is the Messiah, Savior of the world, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)
You may know people who follow Jesus, but you need to make you own decision to trust the Lord. It's similar when two people decide to make a clear decision to begin a marriage. You can take this wonderful step forward with God now. Is there anything holding you back from putting your trust in Jesus?
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." (Romans 10: 9-10)
God Invites You
04
If you want to turn from your sins and the past mistakes in your life and enter into a new and abundant life with Jesus, you can tell God through this prayer:
Gracious God, I know I have rebelled against you in so many ways. I ask you for complete forgiveness of my sins through Jesus. Thank you for loving me, dying for me, and inviting me into this relationship with you. Jesus, you are now my Savior and the Lord of my life. I want to follow you and live with your presence, grace, and power. Thank you God that I am forgiven, have eternal life, and now am secure in your family. I praise you Jesus and pray this all in Your name. Amen.
"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)
Decide To Follow Jesus
05
Yes, I'm ready to follow jesus!
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