Your Hope
Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Where do you find your hope?
No matter how hard we try to live “good” lives, we all fall miserably short. We are all sinners. The Bible says, “No one is good—not even one.” (Romans 3:10) We cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
First, understand and accept that you are a sinner.
The definition of sin is simple. Sin is breaking God’s law. Even good natured people who do good things cannot please God or gain His approval. The standard in the Bible is impossibly high! None of us can reach perfection or even come close. No matter how hard you try, you can never be good enough. The Bible says that all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin is the major roadblock between you and God. In fact, the Bible teaches that our sin is a death sentence! Romans 6:23 says,“The wages of sin is death.”
Second, acknowledge Jesus Christ died on the cross for you.
God provided the ultimate solution to our sin. You must first recognize that God’s Son gave His life on your behalf. This is the good news! Romans 5:8 says,“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus Christ died in our place, even though we deserved death. He did this so that we can have true peace and enjoy a relationship with Him. He did this so that we can go to heaven.
Third, repent of your sin.
After you admit your sinful condition, and after you acknowledge the good news of Jesus’ death on your behalf, now’s the time to say you’re sorry. Confess that you have done wrong and repent of your sin. Repent means to turn away, refuse to live in a pattern of your sinful ways and move toward God with your whole heart. Acts 3:19 says,“Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Fourth, accept Jesus Christ into your heart and life.
To be saved requires a step of belief. It requires a step of faith toward the only One who can save you. The Bible tells us that salvation is found in no one else, because no other name was given under heaven by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) Jesus is not one way to God. He is the only way to God! John 14:6 says,“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Would you like Jesus to be Lord of your life? Are you ready to live your life in faith and obedience to Him? Then ask Jesus into your life right now. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.” (Rev. 3:20)
Are you ready? If you would like to begin your relationship with Christ, stop for a moment and pray.
You can use your own words when you talk to God. Express your thoughts in whatever ways feel natural to you. What’s most important is that your conversation with God is completely heartfelt and follows the example in the Bible: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9.
Here is a simple example of the words you might use to pray…
Jesus,
I admit that I am a sinner. I am separated from You because of my sin. But now I understand that You came and died on my behalf to completely take care of my sin problem. I am ready to repent of my sin and turn around and move toward You. I confess with these words that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Lord, I believe you were raised from the dead for me. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now come into your life! Your decision to follow Him means God has forgiven you. You will spend eternity in heaven with Him.
I John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” And there’s another encouraging verse in Psalm 103:12 that says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us.”
Your faith in Jesus has saved you, now go and live in peace. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says all of heaven rejoices when one has received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Welcome to the family of God! InspiredHope would love to send you a Bible and support you. Please email us at info@inspiredhope.org.