Receiving Forgiveness and Salvation

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Our small group lesson this week ended with this question: “Have you received God’s gift of forgiveness and His promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ?” If not, why wait? If it is the desire of your heart, repent of your sin and pray to receive this redemption and salvation that welcomes you into God’s kingdom. Having seen for yourself what God says, do you realize that no matter what you have done, you can be assures of complete and absolute forgiveness?

Will you receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord now? Here’s how:

1. First, agree with God that you have sinned – confess that you have broken His holy law, rebelled against His holy will. The word “confess” means “to say the same thing” – what God says is sin, I also say is sin. To confess sin, then, is to agree with God that what you have done is wrong.
2. Take responsibility for your sins. You cannot blame anyone else. Acknowledge your sins and take full responsibility.
3. Tell God you’re willing to make restitution if necessary. This willingness to be “right”, not just with God but also with your fellow man follows the principle Jesus laid down for us in Matthew 5:23-24.
4. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses you from all sin and in faith accept His forgiveness. Remember, forgiveness is always based on God’s grace, never our merit. We do not deserve it; we can not earn it nor can we buy it - Ephesians 2:8-9.
5. Take God at His Word. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  No matter your feelings, cling in faith to what God says. Don’t let Satan, the accuser of the brethren, rob you of faith’s victory by doubt.
6. Thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit, and tell Him that you want to walk by the Spirit so that you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh – Galatians 5:16. Genuine repentance and authentic gratitude.

 

Once you accept God’s forgiveness and salvation, you have the foundation to forgive others who wrong or have wronged you and to walk in true freedom. Receive forgiveness and salvation in Jesus Christ and rejoice!

Thanks be to God and our Lord & savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Brian