How to know God
1) Heaven…
Is a free gift.
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And it is not earned or deserved.
Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
And, why isn’t heaven earned or deserved?
2) Man…
Is a sinner.
Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
And cannot save himself.
Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
We can’t save ourselves because of what we know about God.
3) God…
Is merciful and doesn’t want to punish us.
1 John 4:8b, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
But, God is also just and MUST punish sin.
Exodus 34:7b, “"[God is] keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, [but] by no means clearing the guilty,”
We have a problem, but God solved this problem in the person of Jesus Christ?
4) Christ…
Is both God and Man.
John 1:1,14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
He died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and purchase a place in heaven for us.
Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
This gift is received through faith.
5) Faith…
Saving faith isn’t just head knowledge nor temporary faith.
James 2:19, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!”
Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our eternal life.
Acts 16:31, “So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."”
Does this make sense to you?
If this makes sense to you and you would like to receive God’s gift of eternal life, you can earnestly, pray and receive this gift as follows…
Dear Lord…thank You that eternal life is a free gift…I know that I can’t earn it…and that I’ll never deserve it…I know that I have sinned…and that I can’t save myself…I thank You that You love me…yet I know that You are just…and must punish my sin…But I thank you for Jesus…who died on the cross…rose from the dead…paid the penalty for my sin…and purchased a place in heaven for me…I now transfer my trust…from my own good works…or anything I could do on my own…and I trust Jesus Christ alone for my eternal life…Come into my life as my personal Savior…and help me follow You as Lord of my life…Thank for you’re the free gift of eternal life…I receive it now…In Jesus name…Amen.
To put your faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, going to church, and telling others about Christ. You may call us at (209) 896.7102 to ask questions about your new life in Christ.