"How to have peace with God"
Are you certain that if you were to die today you would go to heaven?
God has told us how we can have a certain hope and experience joy, purpose, forgiveness and peace.
God has clearly revealed to us in the Bible his plan of salvation. We can know beyond any shadow of a doubt that we are going to go to heaven. Our souls are thirsty and the only lasting satisfaction is found in a right relationship with God (Jeremiah 2:13; 17:5-8).
The Bad News
Man was designed to have a relationship with God, but rebelled. We have all sinned in attitude and behavior and stand guilty before God. We are under God's holy wrath (or anger) and there is a day of judgment coming (Romans 3:10-12, 23; 6:23).
The Bible also says that we cannot save ourselves by doing good things. We cannot work our way to heaven. (Ephesians 2:8-9). Eternal life is a free gift that God offers to us in His mercy and grace. God is a holy, righteous God who punishes sin. Just as there is a literal heaven, there is a literal hell. However, God is also loving and compassionate and has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him and to live with Him forever. (Romans 2:4-5; John 3:1-16, 36)
The Good News
Jesus Christ, the God-Man, the Creator of the universe, came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and died on the cross to atone for our sins. He was our substitute. He shed His blood for us. He provided righteousness for us and paid the penalty for our sin. (I Peter 3:18) He was punished for us. He suffered God's holy wrath in our place. Our salvation has been 100% provided. Jesus was raised from the dead (I Corinthians 15:3-6), is in heaven now, and is going to physically return to earth. He has promised to rescue His own, to judge the earth, and to establish His physical, earthly kingdom. (Luke 21:25-28; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 6:12-17; 7:9-17; 16:8-11; 19:11-16; 20:11-15; 21:1-6)
One Way
Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. All other ways -- all other religions -- are wrong. God has provided the one way through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Matthew 7:13-14; Proverbs 14:12)
Misconceptions About Faith
He offers salvation to us as a free gift and we must make a choice to receive it by faith. Many misunderstand what true faith is. Just believing in God or in the facts about Christ is not saving faith. Satan and the demons believe in God. Praying to God for physical, material or even emotional help does not necessarily mean that saving faith is present. Having an emotional, spiritual experience does not necessarily mean that a person has saving faith. A faith without a genuine commitment to serve and obey Jesus is not saving faith.
Saving Faith
Saving faith is a choice to trust Jesus Christ alone and what He did on the cross for your salvation. This decision includes turning away from sin (repentance) and submitting or surrendering to Him as Lord and Master of your life. (Romans 10:9-13; John 1:12; Acts 20:21; Matthew 16:24-26)
If you receive Jesus Christ as your own personal Savior and Lord you will be saved. You will begin a new life in Christ (satisfaction of the thirst of your soul, joy, peace, hope and purpose). God will forgive you and adopt you into His family. He will put Christ's righteousness on your account and put your sin on Christ's account. You will then know that God has reserved a place in heaven for you. (Isaiah 55:1-2; Psalm 63:1; John 5:24; Romans 4:6-8; 8:1; 15:13)
What to Pray
The Bible says that "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13) It is a decision that you must make. No one can make it for you.
The following is an example of what to pray. You don't have to use this particular prayer. What you must do is call on the name of the Lord in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The following prayer is simply one way to express the desire of your heart. If you pray this prayer and truly mean it, then you will be saved. That is a promise from God.
Prayer for Salvation
Dear Lord,
I admit that I'm a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I know that I can't save myself by doing good things. I believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. He shed His blood for me. He also lived a perfect life for me. He has provided righteousness for me.
I now receive the free gift of salvation that You are offering. I am turning from my sins and from serving myself. I am surrendering to You and I pledge allegiance to You as my Lord and King. I am making a commitment to serve and obey You for the rest of my life. With the strength you provide I will love You, trust You, obey You, worship You, honor You, delight in You and do everything to Your glory. I am willing to die for You.
Thank You for loving me, causing me to be born again, forgiving my sins, and giving the Holy Spirit to me. Thank You for saving me by your grace and mercy. Thank You for writing my name in the Book of Life and reserving a place in heaven for me. Thank You for my new life through Jesus, the Creator God, Messiah and returning King. In Jesus' name, Amen
God has lovingly provided salvation for you. He has commanded you to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. We urge you to commit your life to Jesus Christ today and receive His free gift of salvation. You will discover that Jesus Christ is the Spring of Living Water that truly satisfies your thirsty soul. You will have a new life now and you will have a place reserved in heaven for you.
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