CAN ETERNAL
LIFE BE MINE?
To know the answer to this question, please
ask yourself three extremely important questions:
1. Do you have
a sincere desire to serve and please God?
2. Do you know for
certain that you will spend eternity with God? If you are not sure, please take
the time to read on. The Bible does say: I John 5:13 these things have I written unto you that you may know that you have eternal life.
3. What would
you say to God if He asked you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" If
you do not know exactly why you deserve to spend eternity with God, you are not alone because the vast majority of persons
today are not quite sure about this. In any case, it would be good if you take
a piece of paper and write down your answer so that you will have record of this very interesting topic. After you have written down your answer to Gods question, please read on about the Purpose of Man.
Gods Purpose
for Man: Honor and Serve Him God created man to honor, serve, and fellowship with Him.
The Bible says Revelation
4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure
they are and were created. Whether therefore ye
eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians
10:31
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt show
me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy: at thy right hand there are pleasures forever more.
If Gods purpose for mankind is to honor, serve, and fellowship with Him, then what happened that destroyed this perfect relationship?
Mankinds Problem: Sin Man chose to sin against God rather than serve
Him. |
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The Bible says Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.
What does it mean to sin against God?
Sin is breaking Gods law. (I John 3:4)
We sin by doing what God has commanded us not to do (lying, cheating, anger, impure thoughts,
swearing, improper sexual activities, selfishness, bitterness, etc.) or by not doing what God has told us to do (not being
lazy, not loving our neighbor, not parenting our children correctly, not caring for creation, etc.).
I don't know about you, but I am very much in trouble considering things I think and do as well
as things that I find lacking in my own character. Frankly, if everyone was honest about this, even the best woman
or man who ever lived would have to admit to being a failure when it comes to controlling appetites, thoughts, passions, laziness
and selfishness. Ecclesiastes 7:20 "For there is not a just man upon the earth, that
doeth good, and sinneth not."
Sins Penalty: The Problem of Eternal Death |
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The Bible says Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin
is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
When man chose to disobey God, the result was death, or a separation from Him. This translates into the death of a relationship and lack of spiritual communion with the Creator. It also resulted in a barrier or gulf between God and man. The Bible teaches that there are three types of death or separation, which result from sin.
Spiritual death separates a person from the life of God (Ephesians
2:1).
Physical death separates a persons soul from his or her body (Hebrews 9:27).
Eternal death separates a person, both soul and body, from God forever in Hell (Revelation 20:15).
Mans Attempt To Solve the Problem: He tries
to solve it on his own merits. |
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Throughout history individuals have tried many ways to earn eternal life, but every attempt
has been unsuccessful.
The Bible says
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right
unto man, but the end thereof is the way of death.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.
Ephesians 2:8 & 9 For by grace are ye
saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
This
is where most people find themselves; trying or pretending to be good enough.
Please note that even church membership, baptism or any kind of good deed does not merit God's favor.
This is the time to review your answer to Gods question: Why should I let you into heaven? If you are like most people, you will have listed the things that you have done to
hopefully earn eternal life or just simply that you try to be a good person. Please
recognize that this is the human perspective and not Gods solution.
Gods Solution Christs Death (Our Substitute) |
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God has solved this problem in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ - Gods sinless Son, who was
sent by the Father to pay the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross in our place.
The Bible says Romans 5:8 But God commendeth
His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. For
Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. I Peter 3:18
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be
sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Isaiah 53:6 All
we like sheep hhat we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
ave gone astray:; We have turned everyone to his own way;.
and, the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Claim Your Pardon Turn & Trust |
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How do we claim the Pardon for our sin and receive the gift of eternal life? We must receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
John 14:6
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.
In order for you to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, you must stop trusting in what you have done, repent or turn
from your sin and put your trust in Jesus alone as the only hope for eternal life. Many persons who think they are Christians, because of church affiliation or
some acts they performed in order to become a Christian, are actually not "children of God" because they have mixed their
own good works into the equation.
The Bible says Acts 3:19a Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out.
Acts 16:31 Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. For whosoever
shall call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved. Romans 10:13
Jesus says: "come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Christianity
is the only faith that says "come." All others say "do something to possibly earn earn eternal life." Jesus is
waiting for you to come to Him.
Romans 10:9"If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God has raised
Him from the dead, thou shall be saved." Jesus not only paid the penalty for your sin, but He rose from the
dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father where He intercedes for all believers.
This is the place where many people stop. It is very easy to allow pride to hinder your thought process here.
If you sense no leading of God right now, please go to our Prayer Hall and pray that you will some day. But for you who may sense Gods moving of your heart, ask yourself - have the scriptures
above drawn you and do you see yourself in need of a relationship with your Creator?
If so, then God is speaking to your inner being as a loving Father calling to a wayward child. Do not put off His calling for He will not call on you forever.
God Promises You Eternal Life: A New Life |
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John 5:24 Jesus Christ said, Verily, verily, I say
unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation;
but is passed from death unto life.
Will you receive Jesus as
Lord and Savior today?
To do so you must pray to God
1. Admit that you have sinned against God, be willing to turn from this
sin and ask Him for forgiveness.
2. Believe that
Jesus is the Son of God Who died for you on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin and to purchase a place for you in heaven.
He then rose from the grave and conquered sin and death on your behalf.
3. Call upon the
Lord Jesus Christ to save you and give you eternal life.
If you have prayed these things without reservation, you can be sure that you are part of the
Family of God.
It is important that you understand the principles of a blessed Christian
life. We would love to help you to experience the most that God has for you. |