Why He Matters
The bad news. We're all sinners. That means we've fallen short of God's standard. We've messed up, we've done things we shouldn't have. Perhaps even some things we're downright ashamed of. These things--these sins--put a huge gap between us and God.
Some people think they can make it up to God. They say, "Sure, I've messed up sometimes. Hey, I'm only human, right? But I think I've done more good than evil. I think I'm basically good--good enough to get into heaven." Sadly, it doesn't work that way. The truth is, there's nothing you can do in your own power to clean up your sin.
The good news. Though God's standard is higher than we could ever reach, it was never God's desire or intention to be apart from you. So God made a way for us to reconnect with him. About 2,000 years ago, God sent his Son, Jesus, to save us from our sin. Jesus was a human like us, but he was perfect--he never sinned. Yet God loves us so much that He sent his only sinless and dearly-loved son to live up to his own high standard, and then to die in our place. A perfect ransom to pay for our safe return.
In his painful last hours, Jesus took the punishment you and I deserved for our sins. And when he died on the cross, he took our sins with him. Jesus' brutal death bridged the gap that separated us from God.
Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. His resurrection gave us three things: First, it let us trust Jesus, because when he rose from the grave, he proved he was all He claimed to be: God's son, with the power and authority of God. Second, it gave us the promise of life after death. If God can resurrect Jesus, He can resurrect us too! And third, it gave us hope. After all, God must love us very much to have let his perfect Son suffer and die for us--especially when we don't deserve it!
Believe him. It's good to know what Jesus did and to know how much God loves us. But knowing isn't enough to make things right between you and God. You must believe it, and internalize it! You've got to believe Jesus is the Son of God--that He lived, died, and came back from death to save you from your sins. And if you believe it, it means you also realize you've sinned and that you need him to forgive you of those sins. Not only that, but you need his power to continue to live free from sin for the rest of your life.
Jesus has already taken the first step. He wants to forgive you and help you live life the right way: his way. All that needs to happen now is for you to take a step of faith ...
Get Jesus. If you believe Jesus and want to give your life to Him, pray this prayer:
God, I know I've messed up. I know I have sinned. And I know my sins have put a gap between us. But you said in the Bible that if I say out loud Jesus is Lord, and believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead, I will be saved. I do believe in my heart You raised Jesus from the dead. Please forgive me for my sins. I turn away from them, and I am giving my life to You right now. My past life is behind me, and now I am a new person. Jesus, thank You for forgiving me and for saving me. Amen!
What next? Maybe you weren't ready to pray for salvation, but you still have questions. We want to help you find the answers you seek. Or, if you prayed for salvation, welcome to the family of God! We're excited about this wonderful step you've taken. Wherever you stand, we're anxious to help you. Please get in touch so we can encourage and assist you.