Finding peace with God is not complicated, although it may be very challenging. Please read the following four facts and see if you’re up to the challenge!
Fact One
God loves you as your Heavenly Father.
One of the twelve men who followed Jesus during his three years on earth was John. In a short book based on what he learned, he said, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1)
Why don’t more people enjoy this relationship with God? Because of…
Fact Two
People are sinful and separated from God.
Although not one of Jesus’ twelve followers, Paul traveled throughout Europe and Asia Minor, telling people about Jesus’ life and teachings. In his letter to the Roman Christians, he stated Fact Two, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Humans were created to have fellowship with God; but, because of our own stubborn self-will, we chose to go our own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is an evidence of what is called sin.
This diagram illustrates that God is holy and man is sinful. A great gulf separates the two. The arrows illustrate that man is continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts, such as a good life, philosophy, or religion—but he inevitably fails.
Only one way has been provided to bridge this gap…
Fact Three
Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin.
Because of him, you will know and experience God’s love and enjoy the benefits of being his child.
He Died For You
Paul stated this in the same Roman letter quoted above, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
He Rose from the Dead
In a letter to the Christians at Corinth, Paul wrote, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time….” (1 Corinthians 15:3–6)
He Is the Only Way to God
In his book about Jesus’ life and teachings, John wrote, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
This diagram illustrates that God has bridged the gulf that separates us from him by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Jesus, by his life and words, showed us how we should live as members of God’s kingdom. Then by his death on the cross and his resurrection days later he conquered death and sin on our behalf.
It is not enough just to know these three facts…
Fact Four
When you repent of your sins, fellowship with God is restored because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
To repent means you agree that you have sinned against God, are sorry for your sins, and wish to avoid sinning in the future. As you see, it is much more than merely being sorry.
Now Is the Best Time
Here is an example of a prayer you can offer:
Heavenly Father, I have sinned against you. I am sorry for my sins, and I want your forgiveness. Thank you for sending your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me a new life as your child. Take control of my life, and make me the kind of person you want me to be.
If you sincerely told God the above prayer, it’s time to start growing as God’s child and enjoying being in God’s family!
Ask God to lead you to a group of Christians with whom you can learn more about God and the Christian life. This may be a traditional church, a home Bible study group, or something else.
If you have any questions I might answer, please use the contact form.
(Adapted from campuscrusade.com/fourlawseng.htm)
I don’t make anything if you buy this, but it’s the Christian Standard Bible, one that I like to read. Click the picture to get it from the publisher for $2.24, if it’s still on sale, $2.99 if it isn’t.