The Gift of Eternal Life

As I promised in my last post, I want to tell you how to be ready when Jesus returns. I consider this the most important message I have ever or will ever post on this blog. It is the heart of everything I believe and everything my life revolves around. I hope to answer the question, "What must I do to be saved?" In Christian circles, we call it different things at different times but it all means the same thing -- getting saved; being born again; becoming a believer; being a Christian; making a profession of faith. In the simplest terms, let me answer the question in this first paragraph. In the Bible when Paul and Silas were in jail they prayed and sang until God sent an earthquake that opened all the doors and loosened the prisoners' chains. It scared the jailer and caused him to rush to Paul and ask him, "What must I do to be saved?" The answer was so simple -- "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house." After this the jailer and his family were baptized and the Bible says that the jailer rejoiced, or was filled with joy because he and his family had become believers. (see Acts 16:30-31)

Some might ask, where did this term "born again" come from? It comes from the Bible where Jesus told a man that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. In simple terms, being born again refers to a spiritual birth, which is what happens when you become a believer in Jesus Christ. In this same conversation Jesus goes on to say the famous verse of John 3:16 -- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (see John 3:1-21)

Now, let me break it down a little bit more.

1. The first step is to realize that we are sinners and that we need a savior. The Bible says that there is no one righteous, not even one, and that every person has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (see Romans 3:10, 23)

2. Next there's good news and bad news....first the bad news. We are all sinners and the Bible says that the wages of sin is death! Now the good news...in the same verse that tells us the wages of sin is death, it says but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (see Romans 6:23) God demonstrated his love for us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (see Romans 5:8)

3. And finally, do you believe that Jesus Christ, God's son, died in your place? Do you believe that he took the punishment for the sins of every person? If you believe this in your heart, ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and accept Him as your Savior. Remember, it is a gift from Him. The gift becomes yours when you believe it and accept it. Here is what the Bible says about it....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. For who everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (see Romans 10:9-10, 13)

I welcome comments on this post. To my Christian friends, please add other verses in the comment section that you think might be beneficial to someone seeking answers. Thank you!