God's Desire For You

I hope that this study of The Bible will bring you spiritual growth and renewal as well as a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.  It is God’s desire that we have fellowship with Him, and I pray that you are seeking that relationship through a regular devotional time of prayer and Bible Study.  If so, you will see your walk with the Lord grow and be filled with the peace and joy that comes from abiding in Him.  This wonderful relationship is possible to all those who have given their lives over to Him and received His Salvation.

If you have never made a saving profession of faith in Christ, I pray you will do so now.  It is easy.  First, you must acknowledge your status before Him as a sinner.  The Bible tells us that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  The Bible also tells us that you deserve a punishment of death in Hell because of your sins but that Christ has provided a solution (Romans 6:23).  He loved us so much that He took our punishment for us (John 3:16 and Romans 8:28).  You must simply believe in Christ as Savior and ask Him to come into your life and save you.  The Bible promises that He will (Romans 10:10-13).  God’s grace will be extended to you because of your faith (Eph 2:8-9).  Salvation really is that simple.  Just pray this sample prayer or one like it:

 

Dear Lord,

I believe that you are the sinless Son of God, that you took the punishment for my sins, and that you were raised up again, defeating death and hell.  I know I am a sinner and that I deserve death in hell because of my sins.  I am laying those sins before you now, seeking forgiveness, and asking you to come into my life and help me to live a life that is pleasing to you.  Thank you for your love and salvation.

Amen

Frequently asked questions

Must I be baptized in order to be saved?

Baptism is not a part of our salvation.  Think of it as being like a wedding ring.  Putting on a wedding ring does not make you married any more than taking off a wedding ring makes you not married.  The ring is simply a symbol which says to the world that you are, in fact, married.  Baptism is similar.  Getting baptized will not result in salvation any more than not being baptized prevents your salvation.  It is, simply, a symbol which shows the world that you have been saved by God's grace.  (Rom 6:3-5; Rom 10:9-13; Col 2:12)

I was baptized as a child.  Isn't that good enough?

Baptism is an act of obedience by a Christian which represents the washing away of a person's sins when they were saved.  It is a personal choice and is a testimony to the world that you have received God's salvation.  No one can choose obedience for another person... not even a parent.  Since an infant is unable to understand concepts such as sin and repentance, infant baptism cannot symbolize any significant event in the child's life and thus is empty and meaningless.  All Biblical references to baptism assume it follows salvation.  (Acts 8:12, 35-38; Acts 16:30-33)

Can I lose my salvation?

Whenever a person prays and asks God for His forgiveness, the Bible promises that the Lord is faithful to forgive.  This results in eternal life for the believer.  Things that are eternal do not go away; therefore, we know that our salvation cannot be taken from us. (John 5:24; John 6:35-40; John 10:27-29; Rom 10:13)

Can't I get to Heaven by living a good life?

The Bible is clear.  Everyone has sin and deserves God's punishment.  Man is not able to live a sin-free life and needs salvation from God.  Jesus' death and resurrection paved the way for us and faith in Him is the only way to obtain eternal life.  (John 14:6; Rom 3:10-12; Eph 2:8-9)

Create Your Own Website With Webador