COLOSSIANS 1:13-20
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN
Consider how the Bible answers this question. Becoming a Christian is a matter of FAITH.
-- Ephesians 1:7a
"...the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."
A is for AVAILABLE - Forgiveness is available. It is:
- Available for all. --John 3:16
"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." - But not automatic. -- Matthew 7:21a
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven,"
I is for IMPOSSIBLE - It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven.
- Because of who He is: God is loving and just. His judgment is against sin. --
James 2:13a
"....because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful." - Because of who we are: Every person is a sinner. --Romans 3:23
"...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
T is for TURN - Turn means repent.
- Turn from something - sin and self. --Luke 13:3b
"...but unless you repent, you too will all perish." - Turn to someone; trust Christ only. -- Romans 10:9
"That 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."
H is for HEAVEN - Heaven is eternal life.
- Here -- John 10:10b
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - Hereafter -- John 14:3
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
HOW?
How can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I believe You died for my sins and only through faith in Your death and resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.
FOLLOW UP:
If you prayed this prayer, share your decision with a Christian friend or pastor. If you are not already attending church, we would like to invite you to join us here at Mountain View Community Church (directions & service times) Follow Christ's example, ask to be baptized as a public expression of your faith.
We'd love to hear about your decision to follow Christ. Please let us know by sending us an email. mvcc@mtvcc.org
Other Sites of interest about becoming a Christian include:
www.thegoodnews.org -- for those looking for the plan of salvation in a foreign language. This site offers the plan in 17 languages other than English. Find the translations in the "eternal life books" section.
www.thekristo.com -- a flash presentation that presents the plan of salvation in a cultural context for those seeking the truth that Jesus Christ offers.
www.studentz.com -- an upbeat site for students who are searching for the truth that Jesus Christ offers.
www.kidzplace.org -- a great place for children to learn about becoming a Christian.
