The Road to Salvation | Christ-Like Attributes

The Road to Salvation

God says in His Word, the Bible, that you can know if you are saved...

"These things I have written unto you that you may know that you have eternal life."
I John 5:13

Suppose you were to stand before God and God were to say to you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" What reason would you give?

The following facts can give you assurance of eternal life...
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Fact 1: Every person needs to receive eternal life.
Why? Because we all have sinned against God...

1. Sin is breaking God's Law, and everyone has broken God's Law.

The Bible says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

2. Sin Separates us from God.

"But your sins have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you." Isaiah 59:2

Sin means missing the mark.

"And the person who keeps every law of God, but makes one little slip, is just as guilty as the person who has broken every law there is." - James 2:10 (Living Bible)

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Fact 2: God loves people and has provided ONE way to receive eternal life.

God's way to heaven is not religion (church membership), ritual (baptism), or righteousness (doing your best)... God's way to Heaven is Jesus!

The Bible says...
"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name (except Jesus) under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, but through me." (John 14:6)

The Equation of Salvation
Jesus' Death + His Resurrection = Full payment for my sin

When Christ died and arose from the grave, He paid the penalty for all our sins. This makes it possible for everyone - including you - to receive eternal life. However, Jesus' death and resurrection will not save you automatically.

Each individual has a decision to make, a step of faith to take.

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Fact 3: You may receive eternal life now by following these simple steps:

1. Recognize that eternal life is a GIFT:
"...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23).

You can only have the gift of eternal life by having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Realize that to receive this gift, you must turn from your sin and ask Jesus into your life. Admit your need (you are a sinner) and be willing to turn from sin (repent). Repentance is turning away from our sin and turning toward Jesus Christ.

3. Receive Jesus Christ personally into your life by inviting Him into your heart. The Bible says,

"Behold I (Jesus) stand at the door (of your heart) and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and live with him, an he with Me."

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If you will pray this prayer to Jesus, He will come into your life right now!

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does pray it right now! The Lord Jesus will instantly save you, for the Bible says,

"...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9

This verse is a promise from God, and you can count on God to keep His promises!
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How can I be sure God has given me eternal life?

If you can say "Yes" to these questions, then, based upon God's Word, you can be sure that you have eternal life!

Why? Because God keeps His word.

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has eternal life". John 6:47

"For whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved". Romans 10:13

"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may Know that you have eternal life..." I John 3:13

"Rejoice that your names are recorded in Heaven". Luke 10:20

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Once I pray to receive Christ, what does God expect of me now?

1. Make your profession of faith in Jesus Christ public by following Jesus in believer's baptism by immersion.

Why be baptized by immersion?

2. Get actively involved in a local New Testament, Bible-believing church.
"Let us not neglect our church meetings..." Hebrews 10:25

3. Read your Bible, beginning with the gospel of John, pray, and share Jesus with others who need Him.
"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11

Christ-Like Attributes

Prayerfully consider whether your walk with Christ could include a few more of these Christ-like attributes:

Your life is yielded fully to the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:23, James 4:7-8, Romans 12:1-2)

You love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30)

You love others selflessly, forgivingly, and sacrificially (1 Corinthian 13:4-7)

You live a life of faith in obedience by denying your self, taking up your modern-day crosses, and following Christ (Luke 9:23)

You strive for holiness and righteousness in order to be more like Christ (John 14:12, Ephesians 5:1-2)

You study and memorize Scripture regularly and apply it to your daily life (Psalm 119:11)

You pray regularly for your country and it's leaders (2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 56:7)

You pray not just for those you love, but also for those who treat you poorly (Mathew 5:44, Luke 6:28)

You pray regularly for your pastor(s), church leaders, and church family (Philippians 4:6, Ephesians 6:18)

You fulfill your desire pray for and extend help to the sick and needy (Hebrews 13:15-16)

You fellowship with other Christians in Bible Study, Worship and Prayer regularly (James 5:16)

You do not allow work or sports to take precedence over Christ (Exodus 20:3, 8-11)

You offer praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to God (1 Chronicles 16:25, Psalm 146:1, Psalm 150:6, Psalm 105:2)

You are committed to serving in the community or in the church body with humility (1 Corinthians 12:12-28, Ephesians 6:5-8)

You have a burden on your heart for bringing others to Christ or discipling new Christians (Mathew 28:19-20)

You give offerings to the Lord with an open heart (2 Corinthians 9:7)

You have followed your coming to Christ by being Baptized in obedience to Christ (Acts 2:38)

You concern yourself more for the eternal rather than temporal (Mat 6:9)

You joyfully anticipate the Lord's return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Peter 1:3-9)