|
MAN WAS MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE! WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO HIM?
When the first man, Adam, disobeyed God, his nature changed. A condition the Bible calls “sin” entered him and corrupted his nature. Since we are all descendants of Adam, we have all inherited the sin nature of Adam, much the same as we inherit physical traits from our parents.
The main characteristic of the sin nature is rebellion against God – or to say it another way – man’s desire to be independent from God.
Because God is holy, sin has separated man from his Creator. In this condition, man cannot have a relationship with God as Adam originally knew it. But God has made a way to be reconciled.
HOW CAN WE BE RECONCILED TO GOD OUR CREATOR?
First, we must know something of God’s ways. The Bible reveals that God loves mankind, and that He is full of mercy. He is also perfectly just. God desires to restore man, but His justice demands a penalty for sin and rebellion.
Can man fully pay the penalty of sin and satisfy God’s justice? Can we earn God’s forgiveness through good works? The Bible says no to both questions. How can God who loves mankind, forgive man and still fully satisfy His justice? He can and He has – by sending His Son to sacrifice His life and shed His blood as full payment for man’s sin. The Bible calls this the Gospel, which means “good news.” Jesus came as God’s gift to save man out of his condition; first to satisfy God’s justice and second, to change man’s nature.
Today, God is calling all people back to Himself. He has set a day when He will judge all the peoples of the Earth. By receiving His Son, God offers forgiveness of sins, reconciliation and eternal life. Let us not reject God’s mercy. Outside of Jesus, there is no other offer of forgiveness – only the fearful prospect of eternal separation from God.
When someone sincerely turns to God and believes the words of Jesus, he/she “passes from death to life.” The Life of God comes into his/her spirit and his/her spiritual eyes are opened. To say it another way – when you invite Jesus into your life, you are reborn – transferred out of Satan’s Kingdom (Adam’s lineage) and into God’s Kingdom (Jesus’ lineage). You have experienced a new birth. You are now part of God’s family.1 With God’s Spirit in you the process of restoration begins. The life of the Son, who is the image of God, is formed in you. You are promised eternal life and the Word of God (Bible) becomes your guidebook for successful living.
How to Gain Eternal Life. . .
- BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
- BELIEVE that because Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross to free you from sin’s penalty, you can be forgiven
- INVITE the Lord Jesus to come into your life
- ACCEPT God’s forgiveness and His peace
|
Through Jesus Christ, the line of communication between God and you has been opened and you can talk directly with Him in prayer.
After you have sincerely prayed the prayer below, write down today’s date as a reminder of the moment when you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and thereby received eternal life!
|
Prayer for Salvation
Lord,
I recognize that only by your grace and mercy can I be saved from my sins and be changed in my heart. I acknowledge you as Creator of all things and that all things belong to you – even my life.
I ask for your forgiveness through the sacrifice of your Son and the shedding of his blood for me personally. I invite you, Lord Jesus, to come into my heart and change me.
God, in faith I now call you Father. I thank you Father for your Son, for your love and forgiveness. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Teach me your ways. Guide and direct my steps in this life. Keep me in your faithful hands for now and eternity.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
|
We would like to share this wonderful moment with you. Please let us know so we can rejoice with you! Send an email to us at Followhim@Skriptshirts.com
*Portions of Made In God's Image adopted from:
Mercy & Truth Bookshop,
Federal Road
,
Brookfield CT
06804
God Allows U Turns
1 The Confident Woman by Anabel Gillham p. 39
|
