More importantly than looking for the right church, God wants to have a real relationship with you. God loves you and wants you to know how you can have a relationship with Him and have eternal life in heaven. That is why God has given us the Bible so we can have a relationship with Him. Here are some things the Bible says about starting your relationship with Him and having eternal life in heaven.

Step One: Know that God Loves You

God loves you and He has a plan for your life, both now and for all eternity.

The Bible 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.” John 3:16

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9

God doesn’t just love "good" people or churched people – He loves all people! That includes you.

Step Two: Realize that You are a Sinner

The Bible says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

Sin is anything that I think, do, or say that breaks God’s law. All of us are guilty of choosing occasionally to disobey God in action, attitude or thought.

The Bible says: “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you…” Isaiah 59:2

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Our sins separate us from a holy God. They separate us from Him in life and in death. Those that do not receive Christ will spend eternity separated from God in a real place called hell.

The Bible says: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  Revelation 21:8

Do you believe that you are a sinner?

Step Three: Believe that Jesus Died For You

The Bible says: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“For he [God] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.” 1 Peter 3:18

Jesus never sinned, but He took your sin on Himself. He died in your place to pay the price (wage) for your sin. Not only did Jesus Christ die on the cross for you, but He was buried and rose again three days later.

The Bible says: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Do you believe that Jesus died for you and rose again on the third day?

Step Four: You Must Receive Christ by Faith

We must trust Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and receive Him in repentance and by faith.

The Bible says: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” John 1:12

Here is how you can receive Christ:

• Stop depending on your own effort. None of us are as good as God and good works, baptism, church membership, or any other good work cannot save us.

The Bible says: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

• Put your faith in Jesus Christ alone.

The Bible says: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

Are you ready to place your faith in Jesus Christ and receive Him as your Savior? If so, receive Christ as Savior through prayer: “Father in Heaven, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I do not deserve Heaven. But I believe that you love me and sent Jesus to die for me. I believe that He was buried and that He rose again. I’m turning from my sin and placing all of my faith in Jesus and Jesus alone. I now confess you by faith as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.”

If you prayed and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior or have any questions, please call us at 810.346.2360 or email us at bropaul@fbcbcm.org.

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