TheologyWeb Campus FAQ

We tend to look for a price tag but the Bible says:
”…the GIFT of God is eternal life…” (Romans 6:23)

And because eternal life is a gift, like any other genuine gift it cannot be earned or deserved. No amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn eternal life for us. The Bible says that eternal life
“…is the GIFT of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:9)

There is a world-wide problem called SIN.
”All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:21)

We all sin. Stealing, lying, cheating, wars, drug abuse, anger, lust, robberies, riots, murders, are all the result of something God calls sin. And because we’ve all sinned, it should be clear that we can’t save ourselves. Have you ever wondered just how good you would have to be in order to make it to heaven? God said.
”Be perfect therefore, just as you heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)

Since it is impossible to be perfect, even the smallest sin would disqualify us from Heaven. We can’t be good enough, so there must be an entirely different way to get there! On the one hand, God is love. He is love and does not want to punish us. He says,
“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3).

But on the other hand, the same Bible also tells us that God is just, and so He must punish sin. He,
“… does not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Exodus 34:7b).

So, we have a problem. God loves us and does not want to punish us, but He is just and must punish sin. God solved this problem in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches that Jesus was and is God. He is
“… the visible expression of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15).

Anyone who wants to know what God is like should check out the perfect life and sinless life of Jesus Christ. But we may also ask, what did He do?
He died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and purchase a place for us in Heaven which He offers as a free gift.
”We all like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

No. This gift is received by faith. Faith is the key that opens the door to eternal life. Many people mistake other things for saving faith:

• Saving faith is not a “blind leap on the dark.” Faith that gives us eternal life is based on what is true, not on “hope-so’s.”just a “head belief.” We'll never get to Heaven simply because we know about God, or because we know about Jesus Christ, His Son.
• Saving faith is not just a temporary “now belief” in God for times of emergency, only to forget about Him until the next crisis comes along.
• Saving faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life.

”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.” (John 3:16)

You can use the “Key of Saving Faith” to open the door to eternal life and Heaven today.

“Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?” Because this is such an important matter, let’s clarify just what it involves. It means that you need to:

• Transfer your trust from what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on His cross.
• Accept Christ as Savior, and open the “door” to your heart and invite Him in. He says,

“I stand at the door and knock, if any one hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” (Revelation 3:20)

• Receive Jesus Christ as Lord and give Him the “driver’s seat” of your life, not the back seat.
• Repent. Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.

You can tell God in prayer. You can receive this gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ right where you are!
”For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved…” (Romans 10:10, 13)

If you want to receive this gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then pray to Him asking Him for this gift right now.

Here is a suggested prayer:

”Jesus Christ, I know that I am sinful and do not deserve eternal life. I believe that You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in Heaven for me. Lord, come into my heart. Take control of my life. Forgive my sins. I confess them and now place my trust in You for salvation. I accept your free gift of eternal life, and thank You for it.”

If this prayer expresses what you believe in your heart, look at what Jesus promises you:
”…he who believes in Me has eternal life.” (John 6:47)

What’s Next? Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way you can grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:

• Read the Bible. . Try starting with the Gospel of John, reading a chapter a day.

”As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word (of God), that you may grow…” (I Peter 2:2)

• Prayer. Spend time each day talking with God.

”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God…” (Philippians 4:6)

• Worship. Regularly in a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.

”I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” (Psalm 122:1)
“God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

• Fellowship. With Christians who will help you grow in faith.

”We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3)

• Witness. By telling others what Jesus Christ means to you!

”But you will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

If you have any questions or concerns about this message, please contact an owner or an admin (see here for contact info). If you have felt God move in your heart due to this, we would request that you contact one of the above immediately so that we might rejoice with you and to give you some guidance as to what to do next.

©2002 Evangelism Explosion International. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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