SALVATION 101
What is salvation all about? How can you know if you’re saved? Are you going to Heaven when you die? The information below, provided by Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship, explains it all plainly and simply. These are the basic things you need to know about and, most importantly, act on.
Today is the Day of Salvation!
- Admit your spiritual need. We are all sinners….people don’t always like that title. The one word that defines all sin is the Greek word “harmatia” which means “to miss the mark.” What is God’s mark? Jesus said, “Be perfect as My Father in heaven is perfect.” Unless a person is perfect, he has missed the mark; therefore, he is a sinner. Romans 3:23 states “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
- What is the result of sin? In Romans 6:23 we read “The wages of sin is death…” Every one of us has missed God’s mark. Every one of us falls short of being perfect. We are getting only what we deserve, and we are bringing judgment upon ourselves. One thing we need to remember is that God never sends anyone to hell. We send ourselves there by rejecting His truth.
- Since we can never measure up to God’s standards on our own, God has reached out to man. We cannot solve the problem of sin, but God, who is perfect, can and has. He has become a bridge for us. John 3:16-17 states “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved..” In Romans 5:8 we read, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
- If a person acknowledges that he is a sinner, and he accepts the promise that Christ is the solution, he is at a crossroads. Either the person must reject God’s solution and accept the consequences, or he must accept Jesus Christ as his Savior. What must a person do to accept this gift? Simply receive it! Matthew 11:28-30 states “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me…for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you just prayed that prayer and really meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Not only that, but He has forgiven you of all your sin. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) God also promises, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:12)
- Your decision to receive Christ also means that you are now going to Heaven one day. That’s a lot to be thankful for! You need to take some practical steps to grow strong spiritually: read the Bible, pray, and go to church.
- If you just made a decision for Jesus Christ…Hallelujah! Welcome to the family of God! If you’d like more information, please contact Pastor Tony. If you’re looking for a church, check the Calvary Chapel sites by region.
If we meet and you forget me, you have lost nothing. But, if you meet Jesus Christ and forget Him, you have lost everything!
GOD LOVES YOU!!
