The Gospel
God has a special plan for YOU!
Becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can make. This decision determines the way you live on earth and where you will spend eternity.
All People Have Rebelled (Sinned) Against God
The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, NASB). The word sin means to miss a target by falling short of that target. Sin is the failure of a person to live the life which God has planned for him to live. Sin is a universal disease.
The Price of Rebellion and Sin Is High
The Bible says, "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NASB).
The person who lives without God in this life will pay the awful price of an eternity separated from God. The Bible calls this place of separation hell. Hell was never meant to be the eternal home of mankind, but God could not allow rebellious people to enter into heaven. Heaven is the eternal dwelling of God's people, and it is a place where God lives in perfect harmony with His people.
God Loves Us in Spite of Our Rebellion (Sin)
The Bible says, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, NASB).
Because of the righteousness of God, man must pay the penalty for sin, or someone who is acceptable to God must pay the penalty. The death of Jesus is the greatest demonstration of the love of God for sinners. It is a great love for someone to die in place of a loved one. But Jesus died for those in rebellion.
Repent, Turn Toward God, and Have Your Sins Completely Taken Away
The Bible says, "repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19, NASB). The word repent means to turn around and go in a different direction. It means a change of mind and life toward God. If you are willing to turn to God, then God will restore you to childhood purity. Jesus described this experience as the "new birth." Your part is to confess your sin, and God's part is to forgive and restore.
By God's Generosity (Grace), You Receive His Free Gift (Eternal Life) Through Faith Which Is Also from God
The Bible says, "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8, NASB). The word grace refers to the kindness and love of God in His willingness to forgive and save. Faith means to trust to a point of commitment. You cannot just believe in God. You must be willing to give your life to God's teachings and God's will. Salvation is God's gift if you will receive it with a commitment to turn and follow Jesus.
Confess Jesus and Believe That He Was Raised from the Dead by God
The Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved" (Romans 10:9, NASB). The word confess means to acknowledge to God that Jesus is Savior and Lord - to believe with all your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you and came out of the grave. Believe that He is alive and He will change your life as you follow and obey His teachings.
Call on (Pray to) the Lord and Be Saved
The Bible says, "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13, NASB). Whoever means anyone can ask God for forgiveness of sin and turn from sin and follow Jesus.
Just pray this simple prayer: "Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I know You died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me. I invite You into my heart and life. I trust You as Savior and will follow You as Lord. Thank you for saving me. Amen."1
If you have questions about what you have just read and/or prayed, please contact us through the web site or call us at 208-765-4600.
1From the "How To Become A Christian" pamphlet by Roy Edgemon. Copyright 1986 Broadman Press
