Contrary to some opinions, being a Christian has nothing to do
with where you were born, or with where you spent Sunday mornings every
week during your childhood.
You are not a Christian
by default, just because you aren't Jewish. In fact, there are many Jewish Christians
(Messianic Jews).
You aren't a Christian because you go to church... just
like you're not a hamburger because you go to McDonald's. And contrary
to popular belief you cannot "earn" your
way into heaven.
Even if God graded us on a "points earned" system (which he does not), there's
no way that either of us could earn enough points to amount to anything.
There is good news for you and we do mean "Good News". God has
a plan for you, and it's a great plan!
What is this "plan" that God has for me?
God Loves You.
"For God so loved the world that he gave
his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but
have eternal life" (John
3:16)
But... you have a basic problem. You are a Sinner.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans
3:23)
The Holy Spirit of God is trying to show you that you are
a sinner:
"And when he comes, he will convince the
world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment" (John
16:8-9)
How should you respond to the Holy Spirit?
Repent
of (turn away from) your Sin.
"For I have come to call sinners,
not those who think they are already good enough" (Matt.9:13)
Trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.
"For if you confess
with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God
raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For
it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and
it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. For "Anyone
who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Rom.
10:9-10, 13)
All you have to do is ask!
"Behold, I stand at the door and
knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him
and dine with him, and he with Me." (Revelation
3:20)
"...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe
in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans
10:9)
Just pray a simple prayer to God... admit that you are a sinner,
and that you want Christ to come into your heart, forgive your sin,
and make you a brand new person. This isn't a "magic formula" --
just talk to God, like you would to anyone else... he's listening!
Why
not ask Jesus to come in... right now? Then, you can start the
exciting new adventure of your new life in Him!
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