Becoming Christian- How To Know God

 

There are seven facts revealed by God in the scriptures that are necessary to know and accept in order to enter into a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus and enjoy eternal life.

Though it may sound narrow, intolerant, exclusive, and restrictive, the God of the scriptures has said that there is only one way to this relationship with Him and eternal life. That way is through a person, and that person is the God-man the Lord Jesus Christ- God's only begotten Son. "Jesus said to him (Nicodemus) " I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (Jesus)." John 14:6. John also recorded in 3:16 "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."

These seven facts, when revealed by the Holy Spirit, seen with an open mind, and accepted with a receptive heart by faith can lead you to a genuine, living relationship with almighty God through Jesus Christ. These facts are:

FACT 1   GOD LOVES YOU

John 3:16 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." Romans 5:8 also states: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus was made to be what God hates: SIN- that you might be made what God loves: RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is because He loves you that He gives you an opportunity to exchange your sins for His righteousness.

FACT 2   YOU ARE A SINNER

Romans 3:23 tells us: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." God said that sin entered into the world by one man (Adam), then death because of the sin, and consequently spiritual death passed down to all people (Romans 5:12). So, we are sinners, not because we commit acts of sin, but we commit acts of sin because we were born with a nature of sin.

See also: 1 Peter 1:23, Psalm 51:5, Romans 5:18, John 3:18.

FACT 3   YOU ARE NOW DEAD IN SIN

The scriptures teach that you are dead in sin until you accept Jesus Christ as your savior (Romans 3:23). The apostle Paul taught that we are quickened (made alive) because we are dead in trespasses and sins. In other words, to accept Jesus' forgiveness for your sins and to ask Him to live within you is to be made spiritually alive in Christ. Understand that death means spiritual, physical, and eternal separation.

FACT 4   CHRIST DIED FOR YOU

Since we are dead in sin with no hope nor ability to raise ourselves, and since to sin means that we have "missed the mark" of God's standard of holiness and perfection, we stand separated from God by our sin. But, God has solved the problem of our sine and separation from Himself. He has become a bridge for us to be reunited with Himself through Jesus. Romans 5:6 says that "When we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly (us)." While we were still sinners, Christ came and died for us so that we would not have to live eternally separated from Him.

See also I Corinthians 15:3, I Peter 3:18

FACT 5   YOU CAN BE SAVED BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

The Philippian jailer asked Paul in Acts 16:30, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Paul answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…" If a person acknowledges that he is a sinner, and accepts the promise that Christ is the solution, he/she is at a crossroads. A person must either reject God's solution and accept the consequences, or he/she must accept Jesus Christ as Savior. What must you do to accept the gift? Simply receive it by faith! Matthew 11:28-30 sates, "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." According to Romans 10:9-10, when you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

FACT 6   YOU CAN BE SAVED AND KNOW IT

John stated in his first epistle that his purpose for writing was that his readers would believe on Jesus and know that they would have eternal life. On the authority of God's Word, you can be saved and know it! Your faith in His infallible Word is your assurance of salvation. "He that believes on the Son has everlasting life" according to John 3:36. The Bible is a book of facts and certainties. His Word will strengthen convictions and establish beliefs. Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks, seeking entrance into your life. John 1:12 states "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God." If you would like to receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life right now, pray a prayer that is something like this from the sincerity of your heart…

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I confess and turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life. Amen.

Email me if you have any questions or if you just want to let me know you have excepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior.

 

If you just prayer 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" (I John 1:9). God also promises, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12).

Read also: I John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Galatians 4:7

FACT 7   GOD SAVED YOU TO OBEY HIM

Now you belong to Jesus Christ. He is your Savior, Lord, and Master. Determine now to obey your Lord in all things.

1. Demonstrate your faith and new life through the ordinance of baptism (Acts 2:41).

2. Unite with a Christ-centered fellowship (Acts 2:47).

3. Become involved in a discipleship (Bible study) class and study God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15).

4. Faithfully attend the worship services of your fellowship (Hebrews 10:25).

5. Be a faithful steward of all that God entrusts to you (I Corinthians 6:19, 20).

6. Make time in your daily life to pray and read God's Word, in order to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: All scripture references are from the New King James Bible