God's Plan for You - God Loves You
"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."
John 3:16
You need to know that God loves you and has a purpose for your life. God wants you to have a full and meaningful life.
Recognize You are a Sinner
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
We are all sinners by nature and choice; therefore, we cannot save ourselves. We deserve death and hell for "the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23
Understand that the Holy Spirit Convicts You of Sin
"And when he is come, he will convict the world of sin...because they believe not in me." John 16:8-9
The Holy Spirit reveals to you that God is holy and hates sin, but loves the sinner. The good news is that God has provided for the forgiveness of our sins.
Your Response is to Repent of Sin
"For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9:13
"Sin" means missing the mark. It is failing to meet God's standard of how we should live. "Repentance" means to turn away from sin to follow God's new direction for your life.
And to Trust in Christ as Savior and Lord
"That if 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. For with the heart one believes to righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:9-10, 13
"Confess" means to agree with God about your sinful condition. "Believe" is to trust Jesus as your substitute, and "call" is to ask him for his forgiveness, hope and eternal life.
Read the Following Prayer. See if it expresses the desire of your heart:
Dear God, I know that Jesus is your Son, and that he died on the cross and was raised from the dead. I also know that I have sinned and am in need of forgiveness. I am willing to turn from my sins and accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for giving me forgiveness and eternal life through your Son. In Jesus' name, amen.
Use this prayer if it expresses your feeling or pray a similar prayer in your own words. If you have done this, welcome to the family of God!
Your Assurance
You know you have eternal life because God keeps his promises:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." Romans 8:16
He heard your prayer, and you are a member of God's family.
Grow in Christ
In I Corinthians 3:1 the Bible calls new Christians "babes in Christ" Without the essentials of life, babies will not develop normally. The church is to a new Christian what the home and family are to a new baby. Therefore, you need to follow through with your decision by being baptized and uniting with a church. In God's church, you will find new Christian friends and grow in your new life in Christ.
To find a church in your area, click here.
