The Sin of Man
We were created to have fellowship with God; but, because of our stubborn self-will, we chose to go our own independent way, and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of what the Bible calls sin.
Sin is defined as us missing the mark of perfection and loving ourselves more than God or others. Have you sinned? Well, the Bible — “God’s words to us” — tells us that everybody has sinned.
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
If everyone has sinned, why do I need to worry about it then? Sin created a separation between man and God. It prevents us from having a true relationship with him. Something had to be done to bridge the gap. Some people think if you work hard enough you can make a bridge over the gap to God…but it just doesn’t work that way.
Jesus Christ
The only way to reach God is for God to build a bridge. He did this by sending His Son in the form of man, named Jesus. His main purpose was to die for our sins. Was there a reason that he had to die? Yes, because we deserve to die for the sin in our lives. The punishment for sin is death. God’s one and only son Jesus stepped in for us and took our sin on himself, and by doing this, He set us free and bridged the gap to a full relationship with Him. That is what the love of God is. It’s not judgment. It’s not condemnation.
“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.” John 3:16
[Christ speaking] “I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly” [that it might be full and meaningful]. John 10:10
God Desires To Be Close To You
You may have never given your life to Jesus Christ; or maybe you prayed as a child years ago and drifted away from having a relationship with God. No matter how far away from God you may feel right now, the amazing news is that God has never stopped wanting to have a relationship with you.
“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“Christ died for our sins…He was buried…He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures…He appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’” John 14:6
God loves you unconditionally. You can’t do anything to ever win or lose the love of God. All you have to do to be saved is to believe that God sent His only son, Jesus to die for you and me, accept that you are a sinner and ask for forgiveness. Then you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart and accept His love and what He did on the cross for you and me. Ask for it. God says everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. You can have the real, loving relationship with God that He always wanted. Just call on His name…Jesus.
“By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2; 8,9
“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
Don’t wait any longer to join Him in this lasting relationship. If this prayer below expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised. [Christ speaking] “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” Revelation 3:20
Pray this simple prayer:
Prayer is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart.
Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner.
I thank you for dying on the cross for me. I confess with my mouth. I believe in my heart that you are the Son of God. I believe you are the Lord and that God raised you from the dead. Please, forgive me of my sins. Wash my heart clean. Come live in my life.
Be the Lord of my life. Fill me with your holy spirit. Teach me to walk with you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for saving me and for giving me the gift of eternal life in Heaven with you.
Amen.
When We Receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth
Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us what He wants us to be.
If you would like to ask some additional questions, would you please call us at 325-944-8409 or email us at prayer@ If you prayed to receive Christ into your life, would you please let us know so that we can celebrate the most important decision that you have ever made in your life.