Knowing Jesus

1. Realize

Realize you are a sinner. The Bible says, "There is none righteous, no not one" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We all have sinned and therefore we have been separated from God and fallen short of His heaven. The Bible continues to say, "For the penalty of sin is death…" (Romans 6:23). As sinners, we deserve to be punished. According to the Scriptures, this punishment is death! Because man has an eternal soul, the word "death" in Romans 6:23 refers to eternal separation from God in a place called hell.

2. Recognize

Recognize that the Son of God died on the cross for you. The last thing the Father wants is to be eternally separated from the ones He created and loves. The Scriptures teach us that He is not willing that any should perish. Therefore, God sent His Son to make a way for you to be forgiven. The Bible tells us, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Because of His incredible love for you, the Lord Jesus bled and died in your place. Can you imagine God bleeding for you? Can you imagine God dying for you? The "Just One" took the punishment for your sins by enduring the awful penalty of death for you! Now there is a way for you to be forgiven and miss the eternal death of hell. Because of Christ's work on the cross, a holy God will now accept you if you will…

3. Repent

Repent from your old ways of thinking. The word "repent" literally means, "to change your mind." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands all people everywhere to repent. This does not mean you have to stop sinning and start being "good" before God will accept you! The Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2: 8-9). True repentance is a willingness to turn away from what is wrong and to Jesus as your Master.

4. Receive

Receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. The Bible says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12). By receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are acknowledging that He is now your Lord and trust that He will do what He promised; forgive all your sins.