There are only two things which I am sure of (Letters of John Newton)
When I was young, I was sure of many things. But now that I am old, there are only two things which I am sure of:
One is that I am a miserable sinner!
Secondly, that Christ is an all-sufficient Savior!
He is well taught—who learns these two lessons.
"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—and I am the worst of them!" 1 Timothy 1:15
If we know that we are sinners and we need Christ to remove those sins from us, we must ask Him to do so. He is faithful although all others might fail. The Lord Jesus Christ cannot and willnot fail to make you safe from Hell for all of eternity. It is easy to scoff and laugh now when everything might seem "normal" and real. It is this life that is unreal and it is temporary. No one of us know how long we have to live. Once, we die, our fate is fixed. If we haven't asked Christ to forgive our sins, we are lost and we will be in Hell. The way isn't hidden, but it isn't for everyone. Make the Father make you fit through the narrow door into everlasting life.
God’s Plan of Salvation For Man
The Bible tells us that in the beginning God created man in his image. (see Genesis. 1:27) At that time God and man lived in perfect harmony in a perfect world. Then the serpent (Lucifer/Satan), a fallen angel who wanted above all things to be as God himself, tempted Adam and Eve with the two biggest lies that have ever been told. These lies were: “Ye shall not surely die:” and “ye shall be as gods.” (see Genesis 3:4-5 & Deuteronomy 4:39) Adam and Eve willingly embraced the lies of Lucifer and rejected God’s plan and instructions for them. This is where sin entered the human race. (see Romans 5:12)
We further learn from the Bible that because of God’s purity and holiness He can not have sin in his presence. (see Habakkuk .31:13, Revelation 21:27 & Psalms 97:2) So when Adam and Eve, and subsequently every one of us in the human race choose the way of sin and rebellion, (see Romans 3:10, 3:23 & 6:23) it is simply justice that demands our separation from God.
From the time of Adam and Eve until the present time, the Bible records several thousand years of man’s efforts to do it his way (become as God), or to be reunited to God by his own efforts. These efforts, no matter how diligently pursued have never worked, nor can they ever work, because man with his sinful nature is not capable of reaching God’s standard of absolute purity or sinlessness. (see Isaiah 64:6)
So, if history has so clearly proven that man can not become God, or even come back to God through his own self efforts, is there then any hope that we can escape this sinful fallen state and imperfect world in which we live? The answer is a resounding Yes! (see Romans 5:8) And this is what Christianity is all about.
God in His infinite mercy and love has provided a way. (see John 14:6, 5:24, Acts 4:12, & Ephesians 2:8-9) It was a costly way, but it was the only way to bridge the separation that sin had caused between man and his creator. (see Hebrews 9:22) God gave his only begotten and sinless son as a ransom worthy of paying the price necessary to pardon us from the condemnation and just separation from God caused by our sin. ( see 2 Cor. 5:21 & John 3:16)
While Jesus Christ’s willing sacrifice on the cross was worthy to cleanse all people from all sin and from eternal separation from God, (see 1 John 1:7) he has never forced anyone to accept the gift. He does though offer it to all who desire it and ask for it. (see Romans 10:9 & 13 & Matthew 10:32) Kings and paupers must all come to Christ the same way. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Many would try to add good works, righteous deeds, church traditions or denominational affiliations as pathways to salvation (see Titus 3:5 & Romans 3:28); but the Bible is clear that doing so can only have the opposite effect. For if we try to add anything to grace; then “grace is no longer grace”. (see Romans 11:6 & Galations 5:4) It is only with a humble and thankful heart that God’s grace is received by faith. And it is only there, at the foot of the cross, that we can be forgiven and rest in the assurance of our salvation from the punishment we deserve for the sins we have committed.
This brief explanation of God’s plan of salvation is given that you too may come to the one who loves you more than you can imagine; if that is your desire. The steps below will guide you. Tell God in prayer that you are ready to accept the cleansing gift of His only begotten and sinless son. Now is the time to make your decision. This is the most important decision of your life; (see John 8:24) please do not take it lightly, there may not be a “later”. (see 2 Corinthians 6:2)
Lord Jesus,
I see my sin and realize (through your word) that my sin it is what separates me from you.
I am sorry for my sin and desire to turn from the wrong ways I have been directing my life.
From this day forward I ask that you come in and be the Lord and guiding light of my life.
I thank you and accept as a free gift, the worthy substitutionary sacrifice that you made on the cross to pay for my sins. Thank you for forgiving my sins and saving my soul.
I have sincerely prayed the above prayer to the best of my understanding and ability. I understand there are no other requirements for becoming a Christian; but that full meaning and purpose in this life comes only when I willingly die to self and allow Jesus Christ to live through me. Increased blessings will also come in this life and in heaven as I am obedient and grow in the knowledge and application of my Christian faith through the Word of God, the Bible.
