The free gift of God

God created people out of His generosity. He wanted others to enjoy His greatness and perfection. He put us on earth to know Him, enjoy Him, and glorify Him. He also created a perfect world for people to live in; however, the people chose to go their own way and sin (Genesis 1-3).

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Sin has had devastating consequences (Rom 3:23; 6:23). It brought suffering, hardship, and death. God’s plan for people was not changed, but the world has. After sin entered the world, God revealed His plan to restore people to a relationship with Himself. What sin had destroyed, God would change.

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The Bible reveals God’s plan. We call it the “One Story of the Bible.” He created the world and people to know Him. Ultimately, God the Son came to earth on a rescue mission. He died for our sin and rose from the dead. He paid the price we could not pay, and He showed he has power over death and hell.

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Not everyone will experience the rescue Jesus provides. The ones who receive Jesus become God’s children (John 1:12). So, how do you receive Him?

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Romans 10:9 says it very clearly, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

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To confess Jesus is Lord means you surrender your life and rights to Him. You turn from your way of life to His way of life. You ask for His forgiveness for how you have lived and for His help to live like He intended. Remember, He wants to give you life like it was originally designed, to know Him, enjoy Him, and to glorify Him.

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The second part of Romans 10:9 points to belief. You are to place your faith in what Jesus did for you in His death and resurrection. You cannot save yourself, but Jesus did everything necessary for you to be rescued from your sin. He died for you, His life for your life. He rose from the dead, new life through His life.

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If you want to be rescued, it’s because God is drawing you to Himself. He is making Himself and His plan known to you. Respond by talking to Him. Thank Him for speaking to you. Ask for His help to turn from your sin and to turn to Him. Tell Him you are ready to confess Jesus is Lord and surrender your life to Him. Place your faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tell God you know you can’t save yourself but that you trust Jesus’ work for your new life.  

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How will you know if you are really saved? God gives His children His Spirit to live inside us (Rom 8:14-16). He will begin to help you to grow in the faith. You will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), and you will begin to live out the kind of life described in Romans 12-15. You can also read the letter of 1 John to get a good picture of what Christ’s followers look like.

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Please contact us if you have any questions or if you want to know for sure that you will have eternal life - the gift God wants to give you freely.