Footnotes:1 John 5:13
Here's how you can KNOW FOR SURE!
HEAVEN (ETERNAL LIFE) IS A FREE GIFT.
The Bible says, "...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. It is not earned or deserved. Therefore, no amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn a place in heaven for you.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
WHY is it that no one can earn his way to heaven? Because MAN IS A SINNER.
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23. Sin is transgressing God's law and includes such things as lying, lust, cheating, deceit, anger, evil thoughts, immoral behavior, and more. 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? The Bible says you would have to be perfect. "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48
With such a high standard, no one can save himself for God also says, "For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." James 2:10
In spite of our sin, however . . .
GOD IS MERCIFUL, and therefore HE DOESN'T WANT TO PUNISH US. This is because "...for God is love." I John 4:8 and He says, "...I have loved thee with an everlasting love..." Jeremiah 31:3. But the same Bible tells us that God loves us, also tells us that . . . GOD IS JUST, and therefore must punish sin. He says "...and that will by no means clear the guilty..." Exodus 34:7 "...the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:4
WE HAVE A PROBLEM
God loves us and doesn't want to punish us. But He is just and must punish sin.
However, God solved this problem for us in the Person of JESUS CHRIST
WHO IS HE?
The Bible tells us clearly that Jesus is the infinite GOD-MAN
The Bible also tells us that Jesus is "...the King of kings, and Lord of lords;" I Timothy 6:15
"In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) . . . and the Word (Jesus) was God . . . And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt 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 for us in heaven.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
Jesus Christ bore our sin in His body on the cross and now offers you eternal life (heaven) as a free gift.
This gift is received by . . . .
FAITH
Saving Faith is the key that opens the door to heaven. Many people mistake 2 things for saving faith:
Saving faith IS NOT mere INTELLECTUAL ASSENT, like believing certain historical facts. The Bible says that the devil believes in God, so believing in God is not saving faith.
Saving faith IS NOT mere TEMPORAL FAITH, that is, trusting God for temporary crisis such as financial, family, or physical needs. Now these are good, and you should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith!
Saving faith is trusting in Jesus alone for salvation. It means resting upon CHRIST ALONE
and what HE HAS DONE rather than in what you or I have done to get us into heaven.
Saving faith is a repentant faith, in which we as sinners respond to God's offer of salvation with humility, and brokenness over their sin before God. It is turning from a love of sin to a love for God.
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..." Acts 16:31
"Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ...Acts 20:21
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 this involves. It means, that you need to:
1) Turn to God in prayer, and admit to Him your need to be saved.
2) Confess to him that you are a sinner, and that you realize that you deserve to be punished for your sin, but you need him to forgive you.
3) Place your faith in Jesus, believing that He is the only Savior, God's only Son, who died in your place, was buried, and rose again for you!
Now, if this is what you really want. . . .
HERE'S A SUGGESTED PRAYER:
"Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life."
If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." John 6:47
WELCOME to God's Family!!!
If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away)
Placed your trust in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death
And received the gift of eternal life
You are now a Child of God! Forever!
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12
The Bible speaks of these who receive eternal life in these words: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:13
Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way you can grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:
1) READ THE BIBLE. Starting with the Gospel of John, read a chapter each day. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" I Peter 2:2
2) PRAY. Spend time each day talking with God. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. . . ." Philippians 4:6
3) WORSHIP. Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24
4) FELLOWSHIP with Christians who will help you grow in faith.
"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." I John 1:3
5) WITNESS. Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you!
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses..." Acts 1:8
If you have appreciated the GOOD NEWS you have just read, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you grow spiritually. Please email pastor@cbcdedham.com or call (781) 329-9264.
