A Personal Relationship with God?
Jesus, who claimed to be God, said "Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:9-10
The Bible says "For this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
But there is a problem . . .
Yes! We can Have a Personal Relationship with God
The word "Sin" means "missing the mark." We have all . . . missed the mark when it comes to the ways of God. We have wished, said, done things which are not only unacceptable to the Creator of the Universe, our Maker, but also intolerable for entrance into heaven. We might say that you and I have failed to live lives worthy of said kingdom, that we have fallen short of the requirements to enter, intentionally or unintentionally, passive or sinister. In fact, the Bible says: "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard" (Romans 3:23) and "For the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23) or separation from God and the resulting serious negative consequences.
Sin
But there is good news . . .
God Has Provided a Path
In His love for us, God has provided a path for us. Sadly, few will accept the offer. Jesus told us this when he said, "The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."
That does not have to be you.
But there is a qualification . . .
Is based on His terms.
A relationship with God, resulting in eternal life in heaven with Him, is not based on our works, merit, or position in society. It is not the cumulative reward of our good intentions. Remember, we are sinners, and as such, in such a state, cannot stand in His presence, please Him, or enter His Kingdom.
What are His terms? His path and promise for sinners lead to one person:
"Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)
"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
"But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:8)
"I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
A Relationship with God . . .
So, you have a decision to make . . .
Jesus Died for Your Sins
Would You Like to Receive God's Forgiveness
& the Promise of Eternal Life with Him?
Summary
Though created to have a relationship with God, we must realize that we are sinners.
We must recognize that Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross.
Accepting his death for our sins requires change, a turning (repentance) from our old ways to follow Him.
This "change" is asking Jesus to have a relationship with you, taking residence in your heart.
How? Pray this prayer:
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen."