How to start over again!

GOD'S PLAN OF SALVATION

Most people have heard such terms as being born again, converted, or saved. There are even many people who have had a personal experience of salvation through Jesus Christ. However, there are still multitudes of people who never have accepted this free gift from God. Often people do not understand the purpose of salvation or how it can be obtained. Hopefully the following will help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about salvation.

What is salvation?

Salvation is the free gift of eternal life that is made possible only through Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17 KJV states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6:23 KJV, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is not limited to any denomination, race, gender, or age, but it is available for everyone. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13 KJV).

Why do you need salvation?

Mankind needs salvation because it is the only way to get to Heaven. Jesus said in John 3:3 KJV, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Everyone will stand before God after death has occurred. "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27 KJV). Those who have not been saved will spend eternity separated from God. "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15 KJV). The penalty of sin that is passed on to all of mankind is death. Jesus Christ became the atonement for all sin. He took our place and died on a cross. Those who accept this plan, which is made possible only by Jesus, will receive forgiveness for their sins and obtain salvation.

How do you obtain salvation?

In order to be saved you must first realize that you are a sinner and that you cannot make it to heaven on your own good merit. "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10 KJV). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23 KJV). Secondly, you must recognize that salvation is made possible only by the grace of God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV). Finally, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins and that he was raised from the dead. In Romans 10:9-10 KJV, Paul gives specific instructions for salvation. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." In the sixteenth chapter of Acts, the Philippian jailor asked Paul and Silas what he must do in order to be saved. Their response to him still applies today. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31 KJV).

Dear friend, if you have never been saved, my prayer for you is that you will give your heart and life to Jesus. Repent of your sins and ask Him to come into your heart and save you. When you do, you will have peace and joy in your life like you have never had before. 

So, if you realize your a sinner, then right now, wherever your sitting, lift your heart to God in prayer and repent, turn from your sin and pray to God.  Ask Him to forgive you and to come into your heart.  If you like follow this simple prayer:

Lord,

I know that I'm a sinner. I believe Jesus was my
substitute when he died on the cross. I believe his
shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for
me. I now receive him as my Savior, please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. Thank you for
forgiving my sins, thank you for your gift of salvation and
everlasting life, because of your merciful grace.

In Jesus name,  Amen
 

May God richly bless you!