By Susie Shellenburger
We think of you as our little sister. We care about you. A LOT. And we can't think of anything more exciting than being able to spend ETERNITY with you. So let's make sure you're ready for eternity, okay?
The Bible Says ...
- We all have a natural desire to rebel against God. This is called sin. We were born with it. “Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal” (Romans 3:23, The Living Bible).
- Though we've all sinned, God still loves us. In fact, He loves us so much that He wants to give us new life – filled with meaning and joy. “My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” (John 10:10, The Living Bible).
- Salvation (being saved from our sins) is a GIFT from God. He offers it through His Son, Jesus Christ. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8, The Living Bible).
- So how can you RECEIVE this gift? All you've gotta do is ask for it. (In other words, BELIEVE that God is telling the truth and TRUST Him to save you.) “Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Anyone who seeks, finds. If only you will knock, the door will open” (Matthew 7:7-8, The Living Bible).
- You can show that you have faith in Christ by your lifestyle. “And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By looking within ourselves: are we really trying to do what he wants us to?
“Someone may say, ' am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.' But if he doesn't do what Christ tells him to, he is a liar. But those who do what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did” (1 John 2:3-6, The Living Bible).
One More Thing
If you've just decided that you'd like to receive new life in Jesus, you can pray this prayer (or a prayer similar to this) and receive eternal life.
Dear God,
Please forgive me. I realize I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus Christ died so I could be forgiven, and right now I want to turn my life over to You. I submit to Your authority. Come into my life, and make me a brand-new creature inside. I accept Your free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Thank You for forgiving all my sins. From this day on, I'm consciously choosing to follow You.
But That's Not All!
Hey, guess what. Your name is now written in the Book of Life! You're a Christian. But it doesn't end here. In fact, this is only the beginning.
Now it's time to GROW and mature in your faith. That means going to church. Why is that so important? Because we need support and instruction from other Christians.
Becoming a Christian also means reading your Bible. Why? Because it's God's letter to you! Think of it as a map for life.
After you find a church, you should become baptized as an outward expression of your newfound faith. This allows others to rejoice with you in your relationship with God.
From the June 2005 issue of Brio magazine. Copyright © 2005 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.