Eternal Life

Do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in heaven? If God were to ask you, "why should I let you into My heaven," what would you say?

THE BEST NEWS YOU COULD EVER HEAR IS that the Bible tells you how you can know for sure that you have eternal life and will be with God in heaven. "These things I have written to you…that you may know that you have eternal life." (I John 5:13)

The Bible says there are 5 things you need to know to have eternal life:

First - HEAVEN - Eternal Life is a Free Gift!

"…the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23b). Because Heaven is a Gift, like any other genuine gift, it is not earned or deserved. No amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn a place in heaven for you. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT of God, not of works, lest any anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Why is it that no one can earn his way to heaven? Because…

Second - MAN IS A SINNER

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Sin is transgressing God's law and includes such things as lying, lust, cheating, deceit, anger, evil thoughts, immoral behavior and more. And because of this Man cannot save himself. If you wanted to save yourself by good deeds, do you know how good you would have to be? "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Farther in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). With such a high standard, no one can save himself.

However, in spite of our sin…

Third - GOD IS MERCIFUL. . .
. . .and therefore doesn't punish us. This is because "God is love … (I John 4:8b) and he says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love…" (Jeremiah 31:3b) But the same Bible which tells us that God loves us, also tells us that GOD IS JUST and therefore must punish sin. He says… "… I will by no means clear the guilt" (Exodus 34:7b) "The soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4)

WE HAVE A PROBLEM- God loves us and doesn't want to punish us BUT, He is just and must punish sin. God solved this problem for us in the Person of …

Fourth - JESUS CHRIST. 
Who is he? The Bible tells us clearly that he is the infinite GOD-MAN. "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)… and the Word (Jesus) was God… and the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us…" (John 1:1,14) Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless life, but while on earth He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in heaven. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sins) of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) Jesus Christ bore our sin in His body on the cross and now offers you eternal life (heaven) as a free gift.

The gift is received by …

Fifth - FAITH
The Key that opens the door to heaven. Many people mistake 2 things for saving faith: 

• Saving faith is not mere intellectual assent, like believing certain historical facts. The Bible says the devil believes in God, so believing in God is not saving faith.
• Saving faith is not mere Temporal Faith, that is, trust in God for temporary crisis such as financial, family or physical needs. Now these are good, and you should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith! 
• Saving Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. It means resting upon Christ alone and what He has done rather than in what you or I have done to get us into heaven.

"Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…" (Acts 16:31a)

The question that God is asking you now is…Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?
Because this is such an important matter… Let's clarify just what it involves.

• Transfer you trust from what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on His cross
• Accept Christ as Savior - Open the "door" to your heart and invite him in.
• He says" "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…" (Revelation 3:20)
• Receive Jesus Christ as Lord - Give Him the "driver's seat" and "controls of your life," not the "back seat"
• Repent - Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.
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Now if this is what you really want you can go to God in prayer right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ RIGHT NOW. "…with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:10,13) If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now. 

Here is a suggested Prayer
"Lord Jesus Christ. I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life."

If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him: "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believe in Me has everlasting life." (John 6:47)
 

WELCOME TO GOD'S FAMILY!
If you have truly repented (turned away) from your sins, Place your trust in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death, and received the gift of eternal life, you are now a Child of God! Forever! "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)

Please let us know of your decision. Call, e-mail, or visit Fairview Baptist Church 1100 North Franklin, Blytheville AR.     phone 870-763-5824 or      fairviewbaptist@sbcglobal.net.

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