(Submitted by Pastor Van)
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB
It may be hard to believe, but there are millions of Americans who have never been presented the Gospel. They have heard about Jesus and understand that sin is wrong and God will judge it, but they have never understood how it all goes together. They know people who go to church and may even feel that they are not welcome because it is only for a certain group of people. Christianity is just another of the religions to them.
We certainly benefit by refreshing our own understanding of the Gospel and our need of a Savior. These steps to salvation should be a part of our memory so we can be used whenever the opportunity comes to testify of man’s need, God’s love and Christ’s provision.
God’s Simple Plan of Salvation
God says in order to go to Heaven, you must be born again. InJohn 3:3, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.”
· First, my friend, you must realize you are a sinner. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
· Because you are a sinner, you are condemned to death. “For the wages[payment] of sin is death” Romans 6:23. This includes eternal separation from God in Hell.
· But God loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear your sin and die in your place. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21
· Jesus had to shed His blood and die.“ . . . without shedding of blood is no forgiveness” Hebrews 9:22. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
· InActs 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."
· “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent.” Acts 17:30 This repentanceis a change of mind that agrees with God that one is a sinner, and also agrees with what Jesus did for us on the Cross.
· Simply believe on Him as the one who bore your sin, died in your place,was buried, and whom God resurrected. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” John 1:12
· “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 Whosoeverincludes you. Shall be savedmeans not maybe, nor can, but shall be saved.
Just pray:
“Oh God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus was my substitute when He died on the Cross. I believe His shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection were for me. I now receive Him as my Savior. I thank You for the forgiveness of my sins, the gift of salvation and everlasting life, because of Your merciful grace. Amen.”
