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The fact is, we need Jesus. The Bible says, "...all fall short of God's glorious
standard" (Romans 3:23). Though God intended for us to have a relationship with him, we naturally want to do things our own
way.
Deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion toward God or passive indifference, but it's all evidence of what
the Bible calls sin. The Bible tells us that "All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way"
(Isaiah 53:6).
The result of sin in our lives is death--spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23). Although we may try to reach God
through our own effort, we inevitably fail.
How can we bridge this gulf?... Jesus Christ is God's solution to the problem of human imperfection and evil.
Because of Jesus' death on the cross, our sin doesn't have to separate us from God any longer. In his suffering and death
on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sin and in so doing, bridged the gap between us and God. "For Christ also died
for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that he might bring us to God" (1Peter 3:18).
But not only did Jesus die for our sin, he rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). When he did, he proved beyond doubt
that he can rightfully promise eternal life--that he is the Son of God and the only means by which we can know God. He said,
"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).
Yet just having knowledge about God's plans and purposes isn't enough. We need to consciously accept Jesus Christ as the
payment for our sin and welcome him into our life.
It is not enough just to know these three truths... The Bible says, "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right
to become children of God" (John 1:12).
We accept Jesus by faith. The Bible says, "God saved you by his special favour when you believed. And you can't take credit
for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about
it" (Ephesians 2:8,9).
Accepting Jesus means believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who he claimed to be, then inviting him to guide and direct
our lives and make us into new people (John 3:1-8).
Jesus said, "I'm standing at the door and I'm knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in" (Revelation
3:20).
How will you respond to God's invitation? What will you do with the claims of Jesus Christ?
Consider these two circles.
Which circle would you like to have represent your life?
Begin a relationship with Jesus... The precise words you use to commit yourself to God are not important. He knows the intentions of your heart. If you are
unsure of what to pray, this might help you put it into words:
What follows is a lifelong journey of change and growth as you get to know God better through Bible reading, prayer and
interaction with other Christians.
I just asked Jesus into my life (some helpful information follows)... I may want to ask Jesus into my life, but I have a question
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This diagram shows the great gap that exists between us and God. The arrows illustrate that we might try to reach God through
our own efforts. We may try to do good things, or earn God's acceptance through a good life or a moral philosophy. But our
good efforts are insufficient to cover up our sin.
Instead of trying harder to reach God, we simply need to confess our sinfulness and accept Jesus and his sacrifice as the
one way to God. "I am the way, the truth and the life," Jesus said. "No one can come to the Father except through me" (John
14:6). He also said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else,
will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish" (John 11:25-26).
Self is on the throne
Jesus is outside the life
Interests are directed by self, often resulting in frustration
Interests are directed by Jesus, resulting in harmony with God
