Why do I need to be saved?
How do I know I am saved?
What does it mean to be a Child of God?
Those are great questions, and the answers may surprise you. Many people wonder if they are “good enough” to go to heaven. It is as though they hope the good in their lives will outweigh the wrong things they have done. But here is an important truth…
The very basis of Christianity is what Christ has done for us that we could not do for ourselves.
Put another way, as sinners we are in no condition to fellowship with God, who is holy. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches that “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). If we got what we deserved, none of us would have a chance to enjoy life with God in heaven. That scripture, however, does not stop there. It goes on to say, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” What fantastic news!
Jesus’ death on the cross was so much more than the cruel end of a good man’s life. The very purpose of Christ’s coming was to provide salvation for humankind. God’s justice had to be satisfied—the wages of sin is death. But it was God’s love that sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10). By his death, Jesus opened the way for forgiveness of sins, fellowship with God, the hope of eternal life, and the many benefits of God’s presence and power in our lives.
This relationship is offered to us as a gift. Think about what that means! Gifts are offered in love, completely paid for, and intended to be received and appreciated. God’s grace for salvation is received, not earned. In fact, there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve God’s gift. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Here is the point: It is not our goodness that makes us a Christian, but God’s grace. Ours is but to receive His grace and His presence with great thanksgiving and faith!
If you have yet to receive Christ and his gift of grace, here is a model prayer that might help you:
“Dear Lord, I realize that I am sinful and in need of a Savior. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I believe your sacrifice has paid the penalty of my sin, and I accept your forgiveness and grace. Please come into my life and help me to live in ways pleasing to you. Thank you! Amen!”
If you prayed that sincerely, you are now a Christian! PRAISE THE LORD! You are now embarking on the most exciting journey of your life! Our pastoral staff would love to help you in this new adventure. Please use the Contact Us form below to connect with us.