|
What does it mean to "Believe in Jesus Christ?"
What does it mean "I am a Christian?"
Here is what the Bible says about this.
- Admit your spiritual need. We are all sinners....people don't always like that
title. The one word that defines all sin is the Greek word "harmatia" which means "to miss the mark."
What is God's mark? Jesus said, "Be perfect as My Father in heaven is perfect." Unless a person is perfect,
he has missed the mark; therefore, he is a sinner. Romans 3:23 states "All have sinned and fall short of the
glory of God."
- What is the result of sin? In Romans 6:23 we read "The wages of sin is death..."
Every one of us has missed God's mark. Every one of us falls short of being perfect. We are getting only what we
deserve, and we are bringing judgment upon ourselves. One thing we need to remember is that God never sends anyone
to hell. We send ourselves there by rejecting His truth.
- Since we can never measure up to God's standards on our own, God has reached out
to man. We cannot solve the problem of sin, but God, who is perfect, can and has. He has become a bridge for us.
John 3:16-17 states "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that
the world through Him might be saved.." In Romans 5:8 we read, "God demonstrates His own love toward
us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
- If a person acknowledges that he is a sinner, and he accepts the promise that Christ
is the solution, he is at a crossroads. Either the person must reject God's solution and accept the consequences,
or he must accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. What must a person do to accept this gift? Simply receive it! Matthew
11:28-30 states "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
upon you and learn from Me...for My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- His invitation is clear. We must come to Him. All that remains is a response. In
Romans 6:23 we read "...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." What do we have to
do to receive that gift? Take it! Revelation 3:20 states "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone
hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me." Jesus stands
at the door of your heart and knocks, seeking entrance into our lives. John 1:12 states "For as many as received
Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God." If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into
your heart and life right now, pray a prayer something like this from the sincerity of your heart... Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn
from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for
saving me. Amen.
- If you just prayed that prayer and really meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken
residence in your heart! Not only that, but he has forgiven you of all your sin. The Bible tells us, "If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness"
(1 John 1:9) God also promises, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions
from us." (Psalms 103:12)
Now you need to get involved in a Bible teaching, Bible believing church!
You need to be fed so you can grow in your faith. You now have a new life with a new motive, with a new mission!
You are here to serve the Lord! You need to learn how to do that! So
find a good Bible teaching church near you where God's word is taught to you and explained to you. Make sure you
go to a church that believes that the Bible is God's inspired Word. We of course would love to have you come join
us at Clover Ridge Church.
If you have come to believe Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, let us
know at Clover Ridge Church. We want to celebrate with you! And pray for
you! Now that you have come to Christ, you must learn so much more! It is not the end but the beginning. We at
CRUMC want help you grow in your faith! Email us (miket@southslope.net) God bless |
