Jesus is our Assurance of Heaven

 

 

HOW CAN AN UNBELIEVER RESPOND TO GOD’S OFFER OF SALVATION?

 

The Bible tells us that faith alone in Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven.  If you don’t believe in God—or Jesus, Heaven, or Hell—the Bible clearly states that such a person will not be going to Heaven (John 3:3).  And unfortunately that person will believe in Hell on the day that he/she dies and arrives there.  It will be terrifying.

 

Belief in God, eternity, Heaven, and Hell is based on the evidence written in the Holy Bible.  The Bible is inerrant and trustworthy because it is God-breathed, as well as written by eyewitnesses to the events.  Once the evidence presented in the Bible is clear to you, you will have no problem embracing God and His instruction to the world.

 

You can be saved if you say the following prayer (and really mean it):

 

Father God, I know that I am a sinner, and I acknowledge that you are a God of justice.  I am very sorry for my sins.  I know that I need forgiveness from you to be able to come to Heaven when I die.  I believe Jesus died and rose again so that I could be saved.  He prepaid my debt to you and so I choose to follow your will and not my own.  I need your help.  Please be my Savior, my Lord, my God and my Friend.  I want to have a relationship with you.  Thank you for answering this prayer.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

 

·         We believe on the name of the Son of God that the Lord hears and answers prayers.  We have confidence, through scripture, that this prayer has saved you if you said it out loud and truly meant it from your heart.  You are saved by faith alone, through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8).  Admitting that you need God’s forgiveness as stated in the above prayer leads to saving faith.  You are now a Christian.

 

The gospel explains everything, and it will be extremely helpful to find a church to belong to so that you can keep learning and growing in your faith.  Spending time with other Christians is paramount to your walk with God.

 

 

WHAT CHANGES IN OUR LIVES WHEN WE BECOME CHRISTIANS?

 

1/ Our focus changes and we spend our time doing things that please God.  When we love God faithfully, and wholeheartedly, we are obeying the commandment to “love your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37).  God also wants us to love others as we love ourselves (Romans 13:9).  This means we love others without partiality and we must find it in our hearts to do this as best as we can.  While we don’t always agree with everyone and we sometimes have issues with some people, we must escape the cycle that comes with anger and hate.  Instead, we have faith that God has a plan for us, which includes loving everyone, no matter what the issues are or how hurt you are.  Loving others and loving God are the 2 most important commandments we have received from Him!  It takes all of our strength to love an unlovable person.  But take heart—God helps us with this but it takes a strong and solid faith to understand God’s commandment on this.

 

2/ How we behave also changes.  We adjust our conduct to become kinder and more tender-hearted toward others.  We take the time to help anyone in need, and we try our best to be blameless during conflict (1 Peter 1:16).  When we understand how much Jesus gave for us, we are able to start thinking differently and understand that God notices sin.  God (much like our earthly parents) asks us to repent of known sin, or suffer the consequences of disobedience.  We are the beneficiaries of Jesus’ sacrifice and atonement for our sins.  Since Jesus was our substitute, we become Christians to acknowledge what has been done for us.  All we need do is admit to our sin and ask God for forgiveness.

 

3/ We become committed to follow Jesus.  When we make this decision, we ask God to give us a new life—one of rebirth and regeneration because we can’t do it on our own.  When we say Jesus is our Lord, the following things result if we truly want to follow Him:

 

·         Believing is tied to obedience.  You become willing to commit and surrender your life to Him. (Mark 8:34)

·         You are compelled to acknowledge your sin and turn away from it. (Matthew 18:3)

·         You have a strong desire to continue to grow in your faith while you discontinue living a life of denial about God and His plan for your life. (Ephesians 3:16-18)

·         Ultimately, a change of mind leads to a change in direction.

 

4/ There is so much to lose if we continue living the same way day after day.  When we understand what is to be gained by following Jesus, as well as following God’s word, we believe in a better, more focused, and joy-filled life because of His promises.  We learn to love Him, and we have faith that He loves us so much and will deliver on His promises to us.

 

·         Isaiah 40:29-31 & 41:10-13

·         Deuteronomy 31:8

·         John 16:33

·         Psalms 18:3 & 32:8

·         Matthew 11:28-29

·         Jeremiah 29:11

·         Philippians 4:7-9

·         1 Peter 2:24

·         Exodus 14:14

·         1 John 1:9

·         Mark 11:24

·         Romans 10:9-10

·         Revelation 3:5

 

 

So in understanding Jesus is our assurance of Heaven and knowing all that is to be gained, we give back to God.  After everything He has done for us, how can we do any less for Him?