The “Gospel” is a term which means “good news” and if you look around at today’s world there isn’t much “good news” to talk about. In fact, good news doesn’t really sell. And so, news channels and newspapers insert a “happy” story between a bunch of news that is alarming, controversial, shocking and awful. But the fact of the matter is that there is a piece of Good News that is worth telling over and over, it never gets old because people need to hear it all the time, and that is the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.
“Why do we need to be saved? From what?” – The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) This means that we can’t keep God’s perfect standard of moral living. And this sin is what separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
We all need Jesus, but where do we start?
1. Realize and admit that you are a sinner.
No matter how hard we might try to live a good life, we still fall short of being a truly “good” person. That is because we are all sinners (Romans 3:23). The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one” (Romans 3:10). God created us to spend eternity with Him, but our sin has separated us from Him.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
The Bible tells us that, “… God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.
3. Repent of your sin.
The Bible tells us to “repent and be converted” (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to change our direction in life; to turn 180 degrees – away from the sin in our lives, and toward a life spent following Jesus. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life.
Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your heart, and life. Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door (of your life) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in . . . ” (Revelation 3:20).
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Regardless of what your life has become, Jesus is offering you His hand, and inviting you to become what He created you to be – a child of God. If you would like to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, then respond to His invitation, and pray:
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins, and I ask you to forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life to you. I confess you and receive you as my personal Lord and Savior. Help me to follow you all the days of my life. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
“Because, 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 with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:9-10).
If you just prayed that prayer sincerely, then you can know that Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you, and He will help you live a new life – and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
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We encourage you to let us now about your decision below so that we can help you begin your walk with Jesus by giving you a Bible, and helping you connect to a Bible teaching church near you. If you live near Riverside, CA, then we invite you to join in fellowship with us! See Location and Times