So, you’re wondering what these two question marks are all about?
Well, they represent perhaps the two most important questions you will ever answer.
The first question is this…
Have you come to the place in your spiritual life where you know for sure that you have eternal life and that you are going to be with God in Heaven?
Here’s the second question…
If God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into My Heaven?” what would you say?
Not sure? Then we have some great news for you?
Eternal life is a free gift!
The Bible says, “. . . the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
And because heaven is free gift, like any other gift…
It is not earned or deserved.
No amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn a place in Heaven for you.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8,9
But why is it that no one can earn his or her way to Heaven?
Because . . .
Man is a sinner.
The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23
Sin includes much more than murder or robbery, in fact, it is anything we think, say, do, or don’t do, that does not please God.
And because of this…
Man cannot save himself.
If you wanted to save yourself by good deeds, do you know how good you would have to be?
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” - Matthew 5:48
With such a high standard, no one can save himself.
However, in spite of our sin . . .
God is merciful, and doesn’t want to punish us.
The Bible says that “. . . God is love.” - 1 John 4:8
But the same Bible which tells us that God loves us, also tells us that . . .
God is just And therefore must punish our sin.
The Bible says . . . “. . . Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished . . .” - Exodus 34:7 “
This creates a problem for us, right?
God loves us and doesn’t want to punish us, but He is just and must punish sin.
God solved this problem for us in the Person of Jesus Christ!
So, just who is Jesus?
The Bible tells us clearly that He is the infinite God-Man.
“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) . . . and the Word (Jesus) was God. And the Word (Jesus) became flesh, and made his dwelling among us. .” - John 1:1,14
Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless life, but while on earth what did He do?
He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for us.
“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all.” - Isaiah 53:6
Jesus Christ took our sin in His body on the cross and offers you eternal life (Heaven) now and forever, as a free gift.
This amazing gift is received by faith - but not just any kind of faith - it takes Saving faith!
Saving faith is the key that opens the door to heaven.
Saving faith is not just head knowledge about God, or simply turning to God for temporary needs.
Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for our eternal life both now and forever.
This means trusting in what He has done rather than in what we have done.
“. . . Believe (trust) in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved . . .” - Acts 16:31
You have just read the Greatest Story ever told about the Greatest Offer ever made by the Greatest Person who ever lived – JESUS CHRIST.
The question that God is asking you now is... “Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?”
Because this is such an important matter, let’s clarify just what it involves.
It means that you need to: TRANSFER YOUR TRUST from what you have been doing and trusting in to what Christ has done for you on the cross.
ACCEPT THE LIVING CHRIST AS SAVIOR - Open the “door” to your heart and invite Him in.
He says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in . . .” - Revelation 3:20
RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS LORD - Give Him the “driver’s seat” and “controls” of your life, not the “back seat.”
REPENT OF YOUR SIN - Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.
Now, if this is what you really want, you can go to God in prayer RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.
You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ right now.
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:10,13
If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now.
HERE’S A SUGGESTED PRAYER: “Lord Jesus, thank You for Your gift of eternal life. I know I’m a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But You loved me so You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. I now trust in You alone for eternal life and repent of my sin. Please take control as Lord of my life. Thank you so much!”
If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him:
“. . . Very truly I tell you, the one who believes [in Me] has eternal life.” - John 6:47
If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, you have received His free gift of eternal life!
And now, you are a child of God.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD!
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” - John 1:12
So, what’s next?
Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way we grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:
READ THE BIBLE - Starting with the Gospel of John, read a chapter each day.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” - 1 Peter 2:2
PRAY - Spend time each day talking with God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - Philippians 4:6
WORSHIP - Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible. We would love to have you join us here at Gather Lynchburg!
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” - Psalm 122:1
FELLOWSHIP - With Christians who will help you grow in faith. Gather Lynchburg would be a great place to fellowship with other believers.
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” - 1 John 1:3
WITNESS - Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you!
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses . . .” - Acts 1:8
If you prayed the prayer above, and received the gift of eternal life today, please contact us and let us know. We would love to meet you to help you get started on your new life in Christ!