Hey There!
Have you ever wondered what happens after death? Guess you've heard this kinda question from zealots before now, or you're cynical about 'bible-bashers'.... but just for a moment, suppose there really is something beyond death .... isn't it worth thinking about, even for a short bit? Can I challenge you to finish reading the rest of this, before clicking your mouse to another site ... your life could depend on it.
You see I believe in God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Heaven & YES Hell ... which is why I am telling you this - please don't go to the latter.
Let's admit it - each one of us has stuffed up in one way or another - You say 'me? ..... I have generally lived a good life and kept out of trouble'. But think how many people do you hate, how many times have you stealed, lied, relished perverse images etc etc. Hey I'm not trying to point the finger - I am a sinner too!
A guy called Paul in the New Testament of the Bible knew what it was to really 'stuff it up' - he had murdered others as part of his fanatical religion and he came to realise that God's grace alone could save him for all his sins. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:14 (book of the Bible):
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners
- of whom I am the worst.
In this powerful statement he realised he was the worst of the worst - but yet there was and is today a SOLUTION.
Even the smallest of 'sins' is intolerable to God, who is HOLY. .... but He also is a LOVING God and ready to forgive ALL of our 'stuff-up's'. His solution was His only son Jesus, who was born on Earth about 2000 years ago. Jesus was perfect (He is God), yet he became a man & died on a cross so that we could become perfect in God's eyes, if we accept this incredible gift called SALVATION.
The Bible says in John 3:16,17:
For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
Jesus wasn't into pointing the finger - His mission was to see you & me perfect before God & 'fit for Heaven'!
You say - I've already heard this cliched religious talk from other Christians, or maybe I'll consider this when I get a bit older. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2b:
... now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of Salvation.
Please give it a lot of thought before you shrug your shoulders and say 'it isn't for me'. Jesus died for you and wants you to accept His gift of salvation. When you become a Christian, life doesn't automatically become a 'bed of roses'. Christian's have their up's & down's like everyone else, and they are far from being perfect! - You say 'what's the point then of becoming one - it's just another label that I have to carry'.
In answer, God gives us His Holy Spirit to teach, encourage and work with us, to help us live a Christian life. God also gives us His Peace, His Love and His Joy. Materialism/ Money buy's us temporary happiness, but God's forgiveness gives us a permanent inner joy, even when times get tough.
I really hope you consider going to the next step - stepping into the right side of eternity. This means humbling ourselves before God (admitting that we have 'stuffed up') and confessing our sins to Him and asking for His forgiveness. We also need to make Jesus Lord of our lives - this means being prepared to follow Him in everything. The Bible tells us how to follow Him & the Holy Spirit who lives within us, when we become Christians, helps and guides us to follow Jesus.
1 John 1:9 says:
If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (our sins).
Romans 10:9 says:
If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
It's up to you - if you want to accept this FREE gift, here is a suggested prayer which you can pray indicating your desire to make Jesus your Lord. Please note though that becoming a Christian involves a total life change. You may want to think long and hard about it, before committing your life in such a way. But when you do decide to commit your life in this way. the Holy Spirit will help you make that change. Please note that the following prayer is just a suggested prayer, if you prefer you can say your own prayer in your own words, asking for forgiveness and committing your life to Jesus.
"Father I have sinned in my life and I am really sorry for doing this, I ask that You will forgive me for all the wrong that I have done. I ask that You will come into my life in a real and meaningful way and that Your Holy Spirit will teach me and guide me about how I can serve Jesus my Lord. Please lead me to other Christians who can help me in my new walk with You. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your incredible gift of salvation and thank You for forgiving me from my wrongs. Amen.
I am sorry if I have failed to explain fully about becoming a Christian. If you are confused about anything, want to ask more questions, or just comment - I would be really happy to hear from you. Please let me know by e-mail (below) if you have prayed the prayer - if you have ... welcome aboard Brother or Sister!! If you haven't - please also let me know that you have read this and please e-mail me about what you think - I won't be offended even if you still think this is a waste of time.
Hey take care & I wish you God's Blessing.
Here is another site which may help to explain it better - Click Here.
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