The Bible is clear that the most important question we will ever answer is Jesus’ question, “Who do you say I am?” The first step in living life as God designed it is to believe in Jesus as the One who died for our sins, was buried, raised on the third day, and who reigns today in heaven.
We have all departed from God’s design. The Bible calls this sin. Sin leads to brokenness in our lives. Brokenness is only repaired when we turn from our sin (repent) and put our faith in Jesus (believe). The Bible says that when Jesus started His ministry, He came saying:
"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15, ESV)
From little sins to big sins, they all keep us from having a relationship with God. But there is hope. Forgiveness of sin happens through a sacrifice and Jesus came to the earth to do this for us. We celebrate His birth at Christmas and His resurrection at Easter. He lived a sinless life and He freely gave it up for all of us. Committing our life to follow Jesus, asking Him to forgive our sins, and following Him is all we have to do to receive this gift.
Can people in today’s world have hope?
YES! God loves you and has a special plan for your life. He longs for you to know Him and He wants to have a personal relationship with you. He promises us that we can find hope for today and forever! Here’s how:
God’s power can make us secure.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, HCSB)
God’s power results in change.
"Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4)
Sin makes change necessary.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
God still loves us!
"But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8)
Sin earns death, but God gives life.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Confess, repent, believe, call.
"... if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. With the heart one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses, resulting in salvation.
... For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:9-10, 13)
Do you desire a personal relationship with God? Simply ask him:
Dear God, I know that Jesus is Your Son and that He died and was raised from the dead. Because I have sinned and need forgiveness, I ask Jesus to save me. I surrender my life to Jesus as my Savior and Lord and turn away from my sins. Thank You for giving me forgiveness, eternal life, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
