Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The teaches that God loves us so deeply that Jesus left Heaven to come to this earth to express God’s love for us and to save us from our sins. In John 1:11-12, the Bible says “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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.”
Notice that receiving Jesus brings the power to become related to God as His child. This radical new relationship is also called being “born again” (John 3:3). And the key to all this is in that word “receive.”
How can we receive Jesus?
The Bible says that receiving Jesus is a matter of FAITH.
F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot know Jesus as our Savior unless we understand that his death on Calvary’s cross is how He forgives our sin. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In whom (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all! Notice John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish…” 2 Peter 3:9 agrees, for God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” But forgiveness is not automatic. “Not everyone that saith unto my, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven,” says Jesus in Matthew 7:21.
I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against sin—and we are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”
T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent, that is, turn from our sin and to the Savior. It is not optional, as Jesus said, “But, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). We must trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: “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.”
H is for HEAVEN. Because of Jesus, we can live this life “to the full.” I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In the hereafter, we have the promise of heaven: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).
So how can a person have all of the above and heaven too? By receiving Christ as Savior and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
A simple prayer can change your life!
If that prayer reflects your desire to receive Jesus Christ. You don’t need fancy words—only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The adventure begins!
Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Here are four ways to get to know Him better:
1. Follow Christ’s example in baptism.
2. Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
3. Commit yourself to a discipleship program at church.
4. Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and pray.
Pastor Robinson would love to hear from you! Please feel free to ask him any questions you have about becoming a Christian, or about your decision to accept Jesus Christ.