God's Plan of Salvation If you are not a Christian or aren't sure whether or not you are, then I'd like to point out how simply the Bible (God's Word) states how to become assured of your salvation. We all were guilty of sin or violations of God's commandments. Romans 3:23 ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 1 John 1:8 ...If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Because we've sinned we deserve death, but God loves us and wants to give us eternal life. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16-17 ...For God so loved the world (you), that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son (Jesus) into the world to judge the world (you); but that the world (you) should be saved through Him (Jesus). We need to repent of sins: Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and return (to God), that your sins may be wiped away, in order that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and was raised to life! Romans 10:9 ...that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. Salvation is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that salvation not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. Pray this prayer out loud: Father God, I've read and heard your Word and I want to be born again, be saved, and gain eternal life. I believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, that He died for my sins and was raised again to life. I'm sorry that I've broken your commandments and turned from your ways. In Jesus' name forgive my sins and make me a new person. Jesus come into my life and guide me. Thank you Jesus for this new life. Amen. What should you do now? Tell others. Matthew 10:32 (Jesus said) Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. Pray daily (Talk to your Father in heaven). Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. Read the Bible (God's Word). 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Join a community of believers (church). Hebrews 10:24-25 ...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. As you can readily see, God's plan of salvation is for all the people of the earth, and is simple and straightforward. We need to recognize that we've sinned by disobeying the commandments and wronging others. The next step is to confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness coupled with a desire to change. Then, believing that Jesus died for our personal sins and was raised to eternal life afterwards, we ask Jesus to come into our life. Prayer, Bible study, and church attendance all work together to make the change we desire come into existence. Finally, this life is a process of maturing, with the result that God can and will meet you halfway and become your advisor and friend, as well as your heavenly Father. God sincerely desires to have a relationship with you personally, which is unique, close, loving and very rewarding. Take the chance! If you've prayed the prayer of faith above and would like to share that with someone, please feel free to e-mail me. Also, include your most urgent needs and I will pray in agreement with you that my Father in heaven would meet those needs. Roy.