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Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH
What do you think it takes for someone to get to Heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds? Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this question. It's a matter of FAITH.
F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness. Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."
A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "For 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." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.
I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into Heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It is also impossible for us to save ourselves through good deeds. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For 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, so that no one may boast."
T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent -- or turn -- from our sin and from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish," Luke 13:3b says. We can also turn to Someone. Turn to Jesus alone as your Savior and Lord: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me," (John 14:6). Romans 10:9-10 tells us how: "That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. "
H is for HEAVEN. Heaven is eternal life. Here on earth, that means life to its fullest: "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly," (John 10:10b). In the hereafter, it means the promise spending eternity with Christ: "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also," (John 14:3).
So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life. You don't need fancy words--only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know Him better in a number of ways:
Follow Christ's example in baptism.
Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.
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