The Gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s good news because it is what restores our broken relationship with God. God is holy. We are sinful. Sin is any disobedience to God’s commands found in His word, the Bible. Our sin deserves death.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to live as a man. He lived a sinless, perfect life and died in our place for our sins.
"God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
For you to come to God you have to get rid of your sin problem. But, in our own strength, not one of us can do this! You can't make yourself right with God by being a better person or in your efforts to "clean up your life" or work your way to Heaven. You can't earn it. It's a free gift. Only God can rescue us from our sins. He is willing to do this not because of anything you can offer Him, but JUST BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU!
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
Jesus paid the price for our sin by His death on the cross. He arose from the grave three days later. This is the Gospel-the good news of Jesus Christ! When we realize how deeply our sin grieves the heart of God and how desperately we need a Savior, we are ready to receive God's offer of salvation. To admit we are sinners means turning away from our sin and selfishness and turning to follow Jesus. The Bible’s word for this is "repentance" - to change our thinking about how grievous sin is, so our thinking is in line with God's.
"If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
God says that if you believe in His son, Jesus, you can live forever with Him in heaven.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus is offering you right now?
Let’s review what this commitment involves:
-I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of a Savior – this is to repent or turn away from sin.
-I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead – this is to trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins.
-I confess Jesus as my Lord and my God – this is to surrender control of my life to Jesus.
-I receive Jesus as my Savior forever – this is to accept that God has done for me and in me what He promised.
If it is your sincere desire to receive Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior, then talk to God from your heart.
"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever. Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life."
Have you trusted Christ as your Savior?
If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you to grow spiritually.
If you have questions or concerns you would like help with, please call or come visit with us. We’re here to help you understand the love that Jesus is offering you for free, no matter who or where you are. Call 618-439-3513 or info@ibcbenton.com.