Knowing Jesus

Psychologists have long known that every person has two great longings and inward needs. The first is to be loved, and the second is to love. But when pressures and heartaches come into our lives, many give up any hope of ever finding love. The tragedy is that we often look in the wrong places to fill this deep, deep need and longing. Some substitute lust for love. Others pursue material things or superficial relationships - all in the futile attempt to fill a God-shaped vacuum in the human heart.

But there is Good News! There is a love worth finding and a love worth sharing. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.   On the cross of Christ, God's mighty love was revealed and offered unconditionally to all who would be saved. Do you long to know this mighty love? Then I need to ask you the most important question you'll ever be asked:  Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves you, that your sins are forgiven, and that you are saved and on your way to heaven? The great news is, you can know! Let me share with you how to discover the greatest love worth finding.

STEP ONE:  ADMIT YOUR SIN

First, you must admit that you are a sinner. The Bible says, "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:10 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 It is our sin that separates us from God and from fulfilling our deepest needs and longings. Sin is an offense against God that carries a serious penalty. According to Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from the love and mercy of God)."

STEP TWO:  ABANDON YOUR EFFORTS

Second, you must abandon any efforts to save yourself. If we could save ourselves, Jesus' death would have been unnecessary! Even "getting religion" cannot get you to heaven. The Bible says it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His (God's) mercy He saved us." Titus 3:5 Salvation is by God's grace, "not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

STEP THREE:  ACKNOWLEDGE CHRIST'S PAYMENT

What you cannot do for yourself, Jesus Christ has done for you! "But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 He died on the Cross for you and then rose from the dead to prove that His payment was acceptable to God. But you must acknowledge and believe this fact. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved." Acts 16:31

STEP FOUR:  ACCEPT CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR

Salvation is God's gift to you. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.  When someone offers you a priceless gift, the wisest thing you can do is accept it! This very moment, you can receive Christ's gift of salvation by sincerely praying this simple prayer from your heart: "Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that You love me and want to save me. Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God, Who died on the Cross to pay for my sins. I believe God raised You from the dead. I now turn from my sin and, by faith, receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, forgive my sins, and save me, Lord Jesus. In Your name I pray, Amen." Friend, if you have not yet made a decision for Christ, I urge you to receive Him today. You'll be eternally glad to know the love worth finding!

The above was written and compiled by Dr. Adrian Rogers. www.lwf.org