THE BIBLE...
Know God...
Many of us are keenly aware that there's much more to life than the daily grind. Popular culture may try to drown out the nagging reality that "there's more to it," and may even try to marginalize what the Bible says about the reason for mankind's existence.
But the fact remains - all of us were created for a higher purpose, a purpose that's been clouded by human sin. We've turned our backs on God and His plans for us, but that's not the end of the story. God sent His Son to restore us to a right relationship with Himself. That is good news! It's what Christians call the Gospel.
Here's that Gospel in a nutshell:
Recognize that you are a sinner
First, you must admit your spiritual need: "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others and our circumstances for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23).Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sin. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).Repent of your sin
The word "repent" means "to change your direction." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God.Accept Jesus as your Savior
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him and allow Him to do the "cleansing." Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37).
