Here are the key elements by which we become reconciled to the
Father. Each is vitally important. Any, if absent, could keep our new
relationship from being complete.
Our condition: First, we must understand that we are separated from
God. The chasm dividing us is both wide and deep. We inherited a fatal
defect at birth. As a result, we have lived our lives independently from
him. The Bible emphasizes this stark reality: “For all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). If we can’t come to grips
with the fact that sin separates us from God, we’ll never come home
spiritually, for there is no need for a savior.
God’s remedy: Second, we need to be very clear in understanding who
Jesus is and what he has done for us, in order that we might confidently
place our faith in him. He bridged the chasm separating us from God. In
the apostle John’s words: “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” (John 3:16).
Jesus was not just a good man, a great teacher, an inspired prophet.
He came to earth as the Son of God. He was born to a virgin. He led a
sinless life. He died. He was buried. He rose again on the third day. He
ascended into heaven where he became both Lord and Christ.
Jesus’ death and resurrection on our behalf satisfied God’s
requirement – complete provision for our sin. This Jesus, and he alone,
is qualified to be the remedy for my sin and yours.
Our response – to repent and believe.
Personal repentance is vital in the transformation process.
Repentance literally means “a change of mind.” It is to say to the
Father, “I want to turn toward you and away from the life I’ve lived
independently from you. I am sorry for who I’ve been and what I have
done and I want to permanently change. I receive your forgiveness for my
sins.”
Many at this point experience a remarkable “washing” from a
lifetime’s accumulation of all that can degrade a person’s soul and
spirit. Whether or not we sense God’s forgiveness, if we repent, we can
be very certain that we’re forgiven. Our confidence is based on God’s
promise to us, not how we feel.
We come into a personal relationship with the Lord when we make
life’s greatest decision – the turning point referred to earlier. It is
to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the One who died for our sins,
who was buried and was raised from the dead – and to receive him as our
Savior and Lord. When we believe in this way, we become God’s children.
This is emphatically promised in John’s gospel: “To all who received
him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become
children of God” (John 1:12).
Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your savior? If you would, you can pray a prayer like this:
“Jesus, I need you. I repent for the life I’ve lived apart from you.
Thank you for dying on the cross to take the penalty for my sins. I
believe you are God’s Son and I now receive you as my Lord and Savior. I
commit my life to follow you.”
Did you pray this prayer?
Yes/No
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