Do you have eternal life?
Answer:
The Bible presents a clear path to eternal life. First, we must
recognize that we have sinned against God: "For all have sinned and fall
short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
We have all done things that are displeasing to God, which makes us
deserving of punishment. Since all our sins are ultimately against an
eternal God, only an eternal punishment is sufficient. "The wages of sin
is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord" (Romans 6:23).
However, Jesus Christ, the sinless (1 Peter 2:22), eternal Son of God became a man (John 1:1,14) and died to pay our penalty. "God demonstrates His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus Christ died on the cross (John 19:31-42), taking the punishment that we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). Three days later He rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4),
proving His victory over sin and death. "In His great mercy He has
given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
By faith, we must change our mindset regarding Christ - who He is, what He did, and why - for salvation (Acts 3:19). If
we place our faith in Him, trusting His death on the cross to pay for
our sins, we will be forgiven and receive the promise of eternal life in
heaven. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son
so that anyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal
life" (John 3:16).
"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" (Romans 10:9).
Faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross is the only
true path to eternal life! "For it is by grace you have been saved,
through faith - and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not
by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, here is a sample
prayer. Remember, saying this prayer or any other prayer will not save
you. It is only trusting in Christ that can save you from sin. This
prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in Him and thank Him
for providing for your salvation. "God, I know that I have sinned
against you and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment
that I deserve so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I
place my trust in You for salvation. Thank You for Your wonderful grace
and forgiveness - the gift of eternal life! Amen!"