You know, most folks don’t give it very much thought, but every person in this world is given a choice of where he/she will spend eternity. Those who do think about it don’t always realize what the Bible says about God’s nature. The Bible says that "God is Love." Yet many people feel that God is mad at them and cannot comprehend how a Holy God could ever desire to forgive them of their sins and enter into a meaningful personal relationship. We must ask, what does the Bible say about how God feels about us?

God loves you. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Here we see that God loves people so much that about 2,000 years ago He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on a cross so that we would not have to perish. But, perish from what?

We all share a common need. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Every human being has failed to live up to God's perfect standard for his or her life. This is because of the attitude of rebellion and unbelief that exists in all of us. Our sin creates a spiritual debt that must be paid. Notice Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The debt that must be paid is death, which means separation from God. This condition for mankind was unacceptable to God, so He provided a way of salvation through His Son Jesus.

Romans 5:8 reveals, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." From this verse we learn that it was Jesus who paid our sin debt. His death on the cross was payment for our sin in full. We do not have to pay our debt because of God's love, expressed in Jesus, on the cross. However, we must receive this gift that He has provided for us.

You can respond one of two ways. You can accept His gift, or you can reject it. You see, salvation has nothing to do with what we can do for Him. We think that performing good deeds or being a “good person” will save us. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that through God’s “grace are you saved, through faith. It is a gift of God. Not by works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation has everything to do with what He did for us. All we have to do is simply accept His gift.

Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:13, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." To know God personally we must acknowledge that we are sinners, agree that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin, ask Him for forgiveness and call on Him as Lord.
Did you know that you can know God, personally? It’s actually pretty simple. If you would like to invite God to change you forever then simply pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I understand now that you died for me and all of my sins. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you rose from the dead. Please forgive me and change me forever. I'm asking you to be Lord of my life. Please save me now. Thank you for saving me and help me to learn to grow closer to you.

If you prayed this simple prayer and really meant it in your heart, then God just saved you forever from all of your sins. God has thrown your sins "as far as the east is from west." God and his Holy Spirit have come into your heart & soul and will dwell with you forever. Now more than ever it is important that you learn to grow in your faith. The most important part of this is to associate with other believers in a local, Bible-believing church. Reading and studying the Bible will give you practical instruction and teaching on how to be a happy, fulfilled believer in Christ.

Did you know:

Direct expenses related to substance abuse in Oklahoma were estimated at $1.8 billion in 1996.