Recognize Your Condition

You may be asking yourself: "How can I know God?" Man is able to know the true and living God through His Word, that is, the Bible. The Bible reveals God's character and His plan for mankind. It is through reading His Word that we come to a knowledge of the righteousness of God and that which He requires of us.

What is it that prevents us from personally knowing God? Our sin has separated us from God. Romans 5:12 reminds us that ever since Adam and Eve, the very first man and woman, a sinful nature has been in all people. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

Man was created to have fellowship with God, but because of his sin (i.e., anything that is against the righteousness revealed in God's Law) he is prevented from that fellowship. This includes anything less than perfect obedience to God's commands. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The ultimate result of this death is an eternity in Hell. This spiritual death forces a separation from God. Man is sinful and God is holy. This creates a gulf unbridgeable by man making that intended fellowship impossible.

Religion and Good Works are Not the Answer

Religions try to create their own ways to God. Their systems may seem logical, but they cannot bridge the gap created by our sin. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” In other words, our thoughts and ways are not what matter. God’s Word, the Bible, provides true answers of grace and forgiveness. In Ephesians 2:8–9 the Bible says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Jesus Christ Provides the Way

God's eternal plan was to send His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross and take on our punishment. John 3:16 explains “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He died in our place. This removed our burden of sin and allowed us to enter into that desired fellowship through faith in Jesus Christ, and Him alone.

Believe and Receive Christ

It is not just enough that you know these truths. We must individually place our trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The Bible says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31) It does not say believe about the Lord Jesus. It says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus." This is the difference between acknowledging Jesus as the Saviour and depending on Jesus as your Savior. This is also the difference between hell and heaven. Jesus said, "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47). It is not depending on Jesus plus yourself, good works, or baptism. It is a simple choice to depend only on Jesus to save you from sin and hell. Like a child trusting his father by jumping into his arms, jump into the open arms of Jesus, and trust Him to save you. He will give you His very own eternal life.

"But as many as received him,to them gave he power to become the sons of God,even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:12

Those who place their trust in Jesus become God's children; and as heirs to heaven are promised the eternal pleasure of glorifying God (Romans 8:16,17). As our life here on earth progresses, God will continue to work in our hearts, daily changing and conforming us into the image of Christ, Himself (1 John 3:2). We will begin to live lives of righteousness. Obedience to God will not be a burden to us, but rather a joy.

The invitation to place your trust in Jesus Christ by faith is open to all. Friend, if you are not a child of God, we pray that today would be the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2)