Whether you’re trying to make sense of your past, trying to overcome something in the present, or trying to make changes for a better future, the Lord cares about you. He loves you. No matter what challenges you or your loved ones are facing, no matter the pain or difficult feelings you may be experiencing, no matter what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, there is hope. And that hope is found in Jesus Christ.
God has a plan for your life, and it begins with a personal relationship with Jesus. The most important decision you can ever make is whether you will accept His invitation. If you have never made that decision, these four simple truths can help you start your journey together with Him.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
(Jeremiah 29:11)
4 Points of God’s Plan
God’s Purpose for You: Salvation
What was God’s motivation in sending Jesus Christ to earth? To express His love for you by saving you! The Bible says …
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
(John 3:16–17)
What was Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth? To forgive your sins, to empower you to have victory over sin, and to enable you to live a fulfilled life! Jesus said …
“I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.”
(John 10:10)
The Problem: Sin
What exactly is sin? Sin is living independently of God’s standard – knowing what is wrong and doing it anyway – also knowing what is right and choosing not to do it. The apostle Paul said …
“I know that nothing good lives in me,
that is, in my sinful nature.
I want to do what is right, but I can’t.
I want to do what is good, but I don’t.
I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
(Romans 7:18–19 NLT)
What is the major consequence of sin? Spiritual death, eternal separation from God. The Bible says, “Your iniquities [sins] have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Scripture also says …
“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23)
God’s Provision for You: The Savior
Can anything remove the penalty for sin? Yes! Jesus died on the cross to personally pay the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
What is the solution to being separated from God? Belief in (entrusting your life to) Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The Bible says …
“Believe in the Lord Jesus,
and you will be saved.”
(Acts 16:31)
Your Part: Surrender
Give Christ control of your life, entrusting yourself to Him. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:24–26).
Place your faith in (rely on) Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior and reject your “good works” as a means of earning God’s approval. The Bible says …
“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9)
A Prayer of Surrender
Has there been a time in your life when you know you’ve humbled your heart and received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior – giving Him control of your life? You can tell God that you want to surrender your life to Christ in a simple, heartfelt prayer like this:
“God, I want a real relationship with you.
I admit that many times I’ve chosen to go my own way instead of your way.
Please forgive me for my sins.
Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins.
Come into my life to be my Lord and my Savior.
Change me from the inside out and make me the person
you created me to be.
In your holy name I pray. Amen.”
What Can You Now Expect?
When you surrender your life to Christ, you receive the Holy Spirit who empowers you to live a life pleasing to God. The Bible says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus assures those who believe with these words:
“Truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
(John 5:24)
Helpful Resources to Grow in Your Faith
Free Resource on Your Identity in Christ
Discover the life-changing identity you have in Christ.
Free PDF Book – Eternal Hope
Learn about the unshakable hope of Jesus that will help you in any storm of life.
Video Courses for Personal Growth
Practical, biblical guidance on various mental, emotional, relational & spiritual life issues.
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