NEXT GATHERING:
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To know God is to know His Son, Jesus Christ.
God created human beings to have fellowship with Him, but through their disobedience that relationship was severed. Sin then entered the world bringing the consequence of death and a sinful nature separating man from God.
Because people inherit this sinful nature, we're unable to restore the relationship or attain a right standing before God through our own efforts. As a result, mankind faces judgment, in desperate need of a Savior to pay for their sin.
Grace is God's favor, love, and kindness given freely to mankind even though we don't deserve it. In His mercy, since we are unable to restore our relationship with Him through our own efforts, He provided the way by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for our sins so we may be forgiven. This gift of God's grace and a restored relationship through Jesus Christ is what is known as salvation.
Salvation is a gift of God's mercy, accomplished by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation happens when your heart turns from sin towards Christ, believing that He is Lord and that His death and resurrection provide full payment for your sins.
In the Bible, "heart" often refers to a person's core, meaning their inner being, thoughts, and will. This means "believing" in Jesus isn't just acknowledging a fact, but a deep, personal trust and reliance on what Jesus accomplished.
Calling Jesus "Lord" is a declaration of His authority, and is an outward expression of what is happening inside of you. It's acknowledging and committing to submitting your life to His Lordship.
When you place your faith in Christ, God credits your sin to Christ, which has been paid for on the cross, and credits Christ's righteousness to you. In this way, your standing and relationship with God are fully restored and you are saved from the power and penalty of sin.
The Spirit of Christ then lives within you. This is God's "mark" on a believer's life, a permanent guarantee that your salvation is secure forever.
Turn your heart towards God and admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.
Believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and trust that His death and resurrection is the full payment for your sins.
If you're ready to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life but don't know how to express these truths to God, you can pray the prayer below. Feel free to change the words, there's no magic formula. Remember, the words themselves do not save you, the sincerity of your heart and your trust in Christ alone do.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17
Commit to living for Christ, obeying His Word, and walking in the new life He has given you.
