"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

God is holy and righteous (Psalm 145:17) and must punish sin (Exodus 34:6, 7). Everyone is conceived in sin, born a sinner and enters the world under the judgment of God (Romans 3:10, 23). The penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and the second death is the eternal lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).

We can be reconciled to God only through His Only Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Jesus, the second person of the truine God, lived a perfectly righteous life by obeying (Hebrews 7:26) and fulfilling the law of God (Colossians 2:14). God demands perfect righteousness to enter heaven (Revelation 21:27). Since it is impossible for sinners to become righteous, God offers us the righteousness of His Son as a gift (Romans 5:17) to those who come to Him by faith in the Only righteous One - Jesus Christ (Romans 4:5). Those God justifies, He will glorify (Romans 8:30).

Eternal life is free to all who receive it by faith alone because Jesus paid the ransom for our redemption with His shed blood (Titus 2:13, 14). Jesus, the sinless Savior, took upon the wrath of God, paying the death penalty that God demands for sinners (Romans 5:8).

Salvation can only be received by grace, God's ability through the finished work of Calvary's cross (Ephesians 2:8, 9). It cannot be merited by righteous deeds (Titus 3:5) because anyone who attempts to earn acceptance before God by their own works nullifies the grace of God (Galations 2:21).

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified [made righteous] by faith apart from the deeds of the law" (Romans 3:23).

Those who receive Jesus Christ by faith are adopted into God's eternal family (John 1:12) and nothing can ever separate them from God's love (Romans 8:38, 39). Jesus Christ loses no one that the Father gives Him (John 6:39).

Have you received God's gift of eternal life? Do you know if all your sins are completely forgiven? Do you know if you have been reconciled to God? If not, why not forsake all attempts to save yourself, repent from your dead works (Hebrew 6:1) and put all your trust and confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe the promises of God as revealed in His Holy Word. Then find a church that has Biblical integrity so you can worship God in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24). This will help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, our wonderful Savior (2 Peter 3:18).

Prayer of Surrender

Father, I surrender my life to Your plan. I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus to take my sin, guilt and pain upon Himself, so that I could be made right with You. I believe my sins are completely forgiven because of the precious blood of Jesus. Forgive me for trying to save myself by my own works. I turn to You with all my heart, and trust only the finished work of Calvary. Thank you for this awesome gift of eternal life. Thank you for taking up residence in my heart and for inviting me into your glorious kingdom. I commit my life to serving before Your throne forever. Amen!