The good news of the gospel is that Jesus came to redeem lost humanity. But this not really good news until we can see and understand the bad news. What is the bad news? SIN! We are all sinners. Sin separates us from God. But Jesus was sent born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died a sacrificial death. He took my sin. I take His righteousness. He who knew no sin became sin that I might become the righteousness of God in Him. He took my sin and went to the cross. I take His righteousness and go heaven.
And how can that be? It is by grace through faith. Grace means I don't deserve it and can't earn it. Faith means I trust Him alone and His finished work at Calvary. Secondly, I must repent of my sin. That means to turn from it. It means to say, "Lord, with your help I will never live this way again." We all will sin but now it breaks our heart when we do. Also I must surrender my life to Him. He must be Lord and commander of my life. Romans 10:9 says, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." How can a person do those things? Rev. 3:20: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
If you have never been saved would you pray this way? "Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I know that you love me and that you want to save me. Forgive my sin and come into my heart. You died to save me and you promised to save me if I would trust you. I do trust you. I do not ask for a sign or look for a feeling. I stand on your word. Thank you for saving me and help me to never be ashamed of you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen." If you prayed that prayer we at First Baptist Church rejoice with you in that decision and we would love to meet you and help you grow in your new Christian life. We invite you to join us for worship services this Sunday at 10:30 AM. And remember that God loves you and so do we.