WONDERING ABOUT GOD

Do you know that God loves you? Do you realize He has plans and a purpose for your life? The Bible unashamedly says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus also said in John 10:10, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

You may have heard or read those verses before, but did you know that you are included in their promises? So how does someone receive God’s love and forgiveness into their life? First, you must consider and confess that you are a sinner. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Sin is falling short of God’s perfect standards. Since God is holy, pure and righteous, all people fall into the category of sinners and are in need of God’s forgiveness. Why? Because sin has deadly, eternal consequences!

According to Romans 6:23, "… the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Because we have broken God’s law entirely and lived our lives in rebellion against Him, we deserve death BUT there is great hope in the Gospel! What we could never do for ourselves—pay the immense penalty for our sin and live perfect lives of devotion to God—Jesus Christ has done in our place!

The Bible says, "But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8). He died on the cross for the sin of everyone who trusts in Him for forgiveness and then He was raised from the dead to prove that He paid the penalty for sin in full! It is only through total dependence upon Him that sinners may be made right with God. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) But the Scriptures were written “… so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)

You can receive God’s forgiveness today by turning away from your sins and confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You don’t have to work for it, and you cannot earn it. Salvation is a gift that God offers freely to every person who will receive it. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) Do you desire to receive this gift of God right now—today? If so, you can pray and ask in this way:

“Dear God, I realize and admit that I am a sinner. Yet, I know that You love me and want to save me. You sent your Son to be my Savior! Lord Jesus, I believe and confess that You are the Son of God, Who died on the cross to pay the penalty of death I deserve for my sins. I believe God raised You from the dead so I may have the promise of eternal life through faith in You! I turn from my sin today and place my trust fully in You as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart by your Holy Spirit, cleanse me from sin and save me, Lord Jesus. I pray with faith in Your name. Amen!”

If you prayed those words with sincerity in your heart, you can be assured that God has saved you! Praise the Lord for His acceptance, forgiveness and grace! You just made the most important decision of your life and now you need to seek the encouragement and guidance of those who can help you grow in your faith. The believers of Central Baptist Church would love to do just that! Please let us know of your decision to trust Christ as Savior and Lord by contacting our church office (859-744-4328). One of our pastors would be thrilled to follow up with you and give you resources to help you grow in your new relationship with Jesus. We sincerely hope to hear from you in the days to come!