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1. Recognize that God loves you and has a plan for your
life.
- His love includes you.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
- He has new life for you. "I have come that they may have
life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
2. Recognize that sin separates you from God and others.
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"Sin" is walking our own way in rebellion against God's will.
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When we walk away from God, we walk away from life.
- Everyone has sinned. "For all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God"
(Romans 3:23).
- Sin brings death. "For the wages of sin is death"
(Romans 6:23).
- Our own efforts cannot save us. As sinners we futilely
try to find life's true meaning in the wrong ways and places.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast"
(Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Recognize that Jesus Christ died and rose again for our sins.
- Jesus Christ died in our place. "But God demonstrates his
own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
(Romans 5:8).
- He is the way to new life. "Therefore, if anyone is
in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
(2 Corinthians 5:17).
- He gives inner peace. "We have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ"
(Romans 5:1).
- He gives freedom. "So if the Son sets you free, you will
be free indeed" (John 8:36).
- He gives eternal life. "But the gift of God is eternal
life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23).
4. You must repent and ask God for forgiveness.
- Admit and confess your sins to God. "He who conceals his sins does
not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy"
(Proverbs 28:13).
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Repentance means:
• To acknowledge your sins.
• To be sorry for your sins.
• To confess your sins.
• To be willing to forsake your sins.
• To have your life changed by Christ.
- Forgiveness is promised. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"
(1 John 1:9).
5. Place your trust in Christ and receive Him as your Savior.
- Christ is ready. "Here I am! I stand at the door and
knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in"
(Revelation 3:20).
- Receive him now. "Yet to all who received him, to
those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God"
(John 1:12).
- Pray this prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to have life. I know that I have
sinned. I need Your forgiveness and pardon. I believe that You died and rose
again for my sins. I now accept You as my personal Savior. I will forsake my
sinful life. I know that Your grace and power will enable me to live for
You. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me and for giving me a new life.
For help in living a meaningful life in Christ:
• Be assured of Christ's forgiveness.
• Read your Bible and pray daily.
• Find a concerned pastor and other Christians.
• Become a vital part of that church.
• Share your faith with others. A caring church family is waiting to accept
you and help nurture you as a Christian.
We would love to talk to you about Jesus. Call us at 949.248.9999
All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International
Version (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.
Used by permission of ndervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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