If I only had the opportunity to share one thing with you through this website, this is what it would be.

The Bible says in 1 John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” Here God promises we can know we have eternal life. The million dollar question is, “How can I really know this?” Well, it says here that “these things have I written unto you” meaning the way to know is found in His Word, the Bible.

First, we must understand we are not perfect. The Bible says in Romans 3:10, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” The Bible teaches us here that none are righteous which means none are perfect. This was easy for me to understand and to agree with. This teaches us that not only are we all not perfect but we are all at the same point of need.

Second, we must understand we have all sinned. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” This not only teaches us that we have all sinned but that our sin causes us to fall short of heaven. Because I am a sinner, I am not allowed in on my own. I don’t qualify.

Third, we must understand that not only does our sin keep us from heaven; it must also be paid for. The Bible says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death…” The wages, which means fair payment, is death. This is fair because it is determined by God. In 2 Peter 3:9 the Bible says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” God does not want anyone to go to hell, which is why He gave His only begotten Son.

Fourth, we must realize that God out of His love for us, send His son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Again we are reminded of God’s love in Romans 6:23 which says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus, being perfect, did not die for Himself, He died for us. The Bible says in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Not for Himself, for us!

Finally, we must repent of our sins, ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior by accepting His gift as payment for our sins, and claim His promise of eternal life. The Bible speaks of this in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Everlasting life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith.

Let me help you word a prayer. (Realize it’s not mere words that save, but your faith in Jesus Christ.) “Dear Jesus, I know I’m a sinner. Please forgive me for my sins. Jesus, come into my heart and save my soul from Hell. I am trusting in you, and you alone, to take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me, Jesus. Amen.”

If you made a decision to trust Christ as Savior after reading this, I would like to know that I might pray for you and send you some more information. Simply email me at gabriel.ruhl@lancasterbaptist.org and let me know that you’ve trusted Christ as your Savior.