The Meaning of Life (3 views)
From:  ProdicalSaul   2/9/2002 8:36 am  
To:  ALL    
 
  311.1  
 
The Meaning of Life 
Prodical Saul  4 Feb 2002 
What is the answer to the question of old, asked by every culture since the dawn of time? Why are we here? 

The first lesson we must learn before we proceed is that God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corinthians 14:33 God did not create us in vain nor did he purpose us to wonder throughout the course of our lives why we are here. He tells us plainly in the Bible why we are here, along with answers to the how we should live. Therefore be careful about what the world and its blind guides have to tell you. Matthew 23:3-28 

The Bible says that In the beginning God created the [heavens], the earth and all that is in them. Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 45:12 It goes on to say, The heavens [universe] declare the glory [awesome power] of God; and the firmament [earth, shows] his handiwork. Psalms 19:1 

In Psalms 139:14, the Bible says, we are fearfully and wonderfully made: [marvelous] are [Gods] works. God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27 In Gods image, we were created with the immense power of conscience thought, invention, capacity to love, and free will. 

But before man, God created the angels - perfect servants unto God in heaven. God created them, more than 100 billion, (Revelation 5:11) to serve Him but without choice. God wanted fellowship, and a people willing to learn, love, serve and worship Him  for the path of life: in [Gods] presence is fullness of joy; at [his] right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11 Therefore, God created man and gave him the gift of free will, the right to decide what he wanted to believe and how he wanted to live so that Gods plan would be perfect and complete. Gen 1:27, 5:1, Deuteronomy 4:32 

Unfortunately, man chose to disobey Gods warning of the tree in the Garden of Eden and fell into sin by the temptations of the serpent  that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, [Lucifer] which [deceives] the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9, Isaiah 14:12 

Romans 3:23 plainly states that, all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God and thus we are all consequently separated from God by our sins. Furthermore, we are each tempted by our own desires  not God. James 1:13-15 says, Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither [tempt] he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it [brings] forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, [brings] forth death. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 

For God so loved the world [us], that he gave his only begotten Son [Jesus Christ], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 

Jesus Christ came to live and die as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, and He is the only way that we can be reunited with the one true living God. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 In fact, God loves us so much that the very hairs of [our heads] are all numbered. Matthew 10:30 Truly God loves us, and he knows all of our needs and troubles. 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he [cares] for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 

We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 

The very nature of God is why we are separated from him. God is perfect, holy, and completely without sin. The bible tells us to Exalt the LORD our Godfor the LORD our God is holy. Psalm 99:9 It is our sin that separates us from God, for He cannot have any part of sin for who and what He is. Gods son, Jesus Christ, endured great persecution, pain, and death on an old rugged cross for each one of us to become the bridge for the forgiveness of our sins. Christ defeated the curse of death - for He is without sin, perfect and holy. Im sure everyone has heard, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 God has already shown us his love - the greatest love of all through the sacrificial death of his son Jesus Christ. 

Life is our chance to exercise our gift of free will. God desires all to be saved that not even the least of us fall, but it is by our choice; we decide the outcome of our immortal souls - not God. 

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our [Savior]; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2: 3-6 

God wants us all to freely choose salvation  freeing ourselves from sin and an eternity in Hell through the power of Jesus Christ. 

2 Peter 3:9 says, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Indeed, God is exceedingly patient with each of us, but there is a limit to this longsuffering that we can ill afford. Even the usage of the word  longsuffering should tell us how much pain it causes God to see us refuse the greatest offer of all  eternal life with him. 

Whether we enjoy an everlasting life in heaven in the warmth, love, and service to our father who is God, or we choose to be cast away from him is entirely our choice. As written in the book of Revelation there will be great weeping and mourning for those who do not come to know Christs redemption. Not only friends and family members, but Gods heart will also be troubled and grieved by the great loss of those who never choose to accept his son - but in heaven, He will wipe away every tear. Revelation 21:4 

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead, which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead, which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death [eternal damnation]. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life [the names of those saved by Jesus Christ] [were] cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 

Hell exists  it is very real. Hell was created for the devil and his angels and it was never intended for even a single man, woman, or child to ever go there. But for those who reject Jesus Christ, it too will be their destination, a place of everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:41 

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; And turning the cities of Sodom and [Gomorrah] into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered [righteous] Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) The Lord [knows] how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2:4-9 

The Bible speaks plainly about Hell and Christ spoke about it more often than of Heaven  Why? God does not want you to go there  He is warning us. He has provided the way for all of us to escape the necessary destruction of sin. 

For our sake, the Bible gives several graphic and harsh descriptions of Hell, such as is found in Luke 16:19-31 

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously [lived exceedingly well] every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom [care]: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and [saw] Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom [care]. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime [received] thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou [would] send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham [said] unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 

The rich man had no idea he was going to Hell. The thought probably never occurred to him or maybe he even joked about it and of those who tried to warn him. He lived a life full of wealth and luxury with every want, need, and desire met at his command. In his lifetime, he chose to not believe the warnings of Hell and the messages of salvation from the prophets. Indeed, after his death he knew otherwise. His priorities did change and he now knew the truth and had become an evangelist - in Hell. When Abraham told him it was impossible for anyone to cross between Heaven and Hell, he then petitioned mercy for his five brothers. He did not want them to suffer the same terrible fate that he knew they were soon destined for. Sadly enough, if indeed Lazarus had gone to the brothers to warn them, they like many today would have dismissed it as a hoax or thought time was in abundance for them to decide. 

Hell exists, whether you choose to believe it or not  it is real. Gravity like many other things: the wind, magnetism, and a persons soul are all facts of our existence. Although you cannot see them, nonetheless they do exist. George Washington was Americas first president. Neither did we see him, but choosing not to believe it doesnt change the facts. 

Hell is a place of darkness, torment, weeping, and gnashing of teeth. With anguish in his heart, Jesus Christ has personally pleaded, petitioned, and cried out to us many times in the book of Matthew saying The Son of man [Christ] shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire [Hell]: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:41-42 

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just [those who accept Christs salvation], and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 13:49-50 

ThenBind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 22:13, 24:51, 25:30 

Hell is a place of consciousness. The rich man looked up to Heaven, he knew where he was, he was very aware of his painful thirst and the flames that tormented him. 

Hell is also a place of vivid memory and eternal regret. The rich man remembered his brothers and his only desire was to now warn them. For those who dismiss the warnings and refuse to accept Jesus Christ, they will forever relive the moments in their lifetime when someone tried to reach out to them will the saving knowledge of the gospel. Weeping and gnashing of teeth only begins to describe the torments that they will forever endure. Matthew 8:12 

If nothing else, know this - Death has no respect for a person; rich or poor, young or old, we all die. No one knows when his or her time will come. Death could be years or only hours away. It could come as a sudden unforeseen brain aneurysm or by a careless driver who runs a red light. The Bible says plainly that every one will die and face Gods judgment. 

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27 

Indeed why? Who in their right mind with even a trace of sanity would ever want to go to Hell, especially if they were given the choice of a full pardon for their sins with an eternal paradise in Heaven for simply trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ? 

The greatest paradox that exists today is the church and Christianity itself. Far too many church-goers, self-proclaiming religious types and the like, have dedicated their lives to the service of the church but not to Jesus Christ. They may call themselves Christians, and may know the Bible, and may have faithfully attended each Sunday never missing a service. Undoubtedly, they have heard the gospel of salvation many times, but when the call to accept Jesus Christ was given, they relentlessly clutched the top of the pew until the day came when it no longer affected them. Many are Sunday school teachers, deacons, and some may even be the pastors of the church; but because of blind pride or out of a false sense of embarrassment, they refuse to acknowledge that they do not really know the Lord. Indeed this is a paradox, for the place meant for salvation may leave many standing alone in the pews when the appointed time comes. Ask yourself - How much self-perceived embarrassment or pride is worth an eternity in Hell? 

Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he [Jesus Christ] is able to keep that which I have committed. 
2 Timothy 1:12 

Whosoever therefore shall confess me [Jesus Christ] before men, him will I confess also before my Father [God] which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matt 10:32-33 

After all, doesnt the bible say that when someone is saved there is great rejoicing by the angels in Heaven? 

Jesus said, Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that [repents], more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she [loses] one piece, [does she] not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she [calls] her friends and her [neighbors] together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that [repents]. Luke 15:7-10 

Jesus vividly details God the father in the story of the prodigal son. God is patiently searching and longing for the wayward sons and daughters return home. He is not concerned with what we have done only that we have returned home. In fact, God chooses to completely forget all of our sins and joyfully welcomes us back into the His family. Although we are all lost and dead in our sins, trusting in Christ makes us alive and blameless with our father and His angels celebrating our return. Likewise, believers in Jesus Christ will rejoice for those who freely choose to accept him. If you are embarrassed or shy, it is only for a brief passing moment  Heaven and Hell last for eternity. 

A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them saidFather, give me the portion of goods that [belong] to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Luke 15:11-24 

But why must there be separation? Why did Christ have to die? Why cant everyone be saved regardless of whether they believe or not? Is it right for a good person to be sent to Hell? 

Heaven, the place where God resides, is perfect, holy and without sin - just as is God. The mere trace of sin allowed into it would destroy all that it is and stands for and it is our sin that keeps up out. Simply living a good life and being a good person wont get rid of our sinful nature that is at the core of our being. Psalms 14:3 says, They are all [everyone] gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 

The Bible further clarifies in Isaiah 64:6 that even the righteous deeds of the saved are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy ragsand our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Our best deeds are as filthy rags before God. Only through Jesus Christ can there be any hope. 

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one Romans 3:10 

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open [sepulcher]; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:12-18 Those who do not regard the existence of almighty God also have no fear of his impending judgment and are capable of every evil deed. 

God says we are all sinners  no not one he says, as to the state of humanity, no not one of us is good. 

There is no other way to rid us of our sin without the blood of Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Just as the blood of animals sacrificed in the Old Testament served to temporarily cover up the sins of the people, Christs blood forever serves to wash us of all our sins. Jesus says in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father [God], but by me. The Bible further states that Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:19 

There is nothing apart from Jesus Christ that will save you. There is no church, no religion, no amount of wealth; no exceeding number of good deeds, nothing else can save you. You are completely without hope unless you submit yourself before God asking Christ to forgive you and to enter into your life. Again, why would anyone choose to not accept the free gift of salvation and eternal life? 

Come. And let him that [hears] say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life [Jesus Christ] freely. Revelation 22:17 

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 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 2:4-9 

Lets pause briefly and consider that even if all this were only remotely true, wouldnt it be wise for someone to thoroughly consider what the Bible has to say? After all, according to the Bible, your eternal soul hangs in the balance on a singular decision with everything to gain or everything to lose. 

But why do we have hardship and pain in life? Why does God allow us to suffer? Why does he take away the ones we love? 

Several books such as Tough Faith  Trusting God in Troubled Times by Janet and Craig Parshall explain these questions as The trying and testing of our faith is a fact of life. (Parshall 123) In fact, the Bible says, All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that [perishes], though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and [honor] and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3 

God above knows and understands all things. We as Gods creation cannot begin to understand the mind of God. 

Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding? Isaiah 29:16 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, [says] the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 

But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel. Micah 4:12 

God, in his own time and infinite wisdom knows what we need in our lives. He knows our deeds and our thoughts and it is in his wisdom that he strengthens us through trials, bringing us closer to him as and when he chooses. Man does not dictate what God will do. 

The LORD [knows] the thoughts of man, that they are vanity. Psalm 94:11 

For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues [languages]; and they shall come, and see my glory. Isaiah 66:18 

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Matthew 9:4 

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 

God in his ultimate and perfect wisdom often uses hardship to strengthen or to lead us to him. Perhaps an example is when we enjoy the good life of wealth and prosperity we often turn away from God, but when trouble hits close to home we come running back to him. The loss of a loved one may serve in leading people to salvation or serve a higher purpose known to God. The timeless story of Jobs great persecution and trials resulted in a stronger faith and love for God. 

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord [Gods answer]; that the Lord is very pitiful [caring], and of tender mercy. James 5:10 

At the end of Jobs trials, God blessed Job more in every way than he had ever been before. Let me say to you, that when God takes something away from us, it is for a higher purpose and he always replaces what is taken with something better. Although we may not know why, there is always a reason. God always has something better for us if we are ready to receive it. 

Call on the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting him into your heart as your savior from a life of sin and separation from God. Believe in him and strive to walk in his righteousness by growing in Gods word - the Bible. This is the only true way you can find true peace, forgiveness and joy and be redeemed into eternal life and fellowship with our creator. 

Acts 2:21 says, And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Why are we here, what is our purpose in life? 

God created all things, and for [His] pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11 and thus it is far too complex to give a singular narrowed answer to such a broad and enigmatic question. However, the Bible tells us that our utmost concern is in each persons sole decision of accepting Jesus Christ, repenting from sin, and living for God. This is without doubt the most important individual decision one will face. No one can make this choice for us and it will ultimately determine the final destination of our souls  eternal glory in Heaven or being cast into Hell. 

Notice that, salvation is not all God has to offer mankind - although it should be our primary focus in life - for us, our families, neighbors, strangers, and even our enemies. 

The thief [the devil] cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I [Jesus Christ] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd [gives] his life for the sheep. John 10:10-11 

The Bible gives thousands and thousands of promises and blessings to anyone who will live according to the will of God. 

In Proverbs 8: 15-21, God says, Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and [honor] are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. 

1 Peter 1:3 Says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that [fade] not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

Jesus tells us, In my Father's house [Heaven] are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3 

Those who pray the sinners prayer, sincerely asking God to forgive them, to enter into their heart, while submitting their lives to God will be given the right to be called sons of God. 

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: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh [Jesus Christ], and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:12 

For many are called, but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14 Remember, we are chosen by our decision to be obedient to the will of God by accepting Christ and living for him. 

Behold, I [Jesus Christ] stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup [abide with him] with him, and he with me. To him that [overcomes] will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear let him hear [whoever will listen] what the Spirit [says] unto the churches. Revelation 3:20-22 

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the [armor] of light. Romans 13 verses 11-12 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:7-8 

And ye shall know the truth [Jesus Christ], and the truth shall make you free. 
John 8:32 

Will you answer the call? 

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. -- Bruce Lee 

One of the few things that can't be recycled is wasted time. -- Sean Covey 

How can someone be saved? 

1. You need to be saved. For all have sinned and come short of the grace of God. Romans 3:23 

2. You cannot save yourself. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 

3. Jesus can save you. 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 

4. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God [dwells] in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:15 

That if thou [will] confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and [will] believe in [your] heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou [will] be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture [says], Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:9-11 

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:4-6, 11 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things [old lifestyles] are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Galatians 5:22-24 

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man [sows or does], that shall he also reap. For he that [sows] to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption [sin and death]; but he that [sows] to the Spirit [living for God] shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:7-8 

How does someone ask for salvation? 

Open your heart and your mind and ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, to forgive you of your sins, to guide you in your life. Ask from the heart. Ask with sincerity. Ask with honesty. This is meant to be an example: 

"Lord Jesus, I now recognize who you really are. I believe that you are the Son of God who died on the cross of Calvary to pay the penalty for my sins, that you rose again from the dead, and that you are one with God the Father. Lord, I am a sinner  please forgive me. I will trust in you, please come into my heart and into my life to be my Savior and Lord. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for my sins, for granting me forgiveness, and for granting me the joy of eternal life with you. Amen." 

If you have honestly and sincerely prayed this prayer  you are forgiven. You now have eternal life in Heaven to look forward to. 

Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." God will save you if you only will ask. 

If for whatever reason, you cannot accept this and still need proof, ask God to open your heart and mind. 

Draw nigh [close] to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:8-10 

If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and savior, are you living your life accordingly? What are you doing for Him now? 

The Bible tells us that the Lord knows his own, and everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from sin. We must no longer continue to act as everyone else in the world. A believer in Jesus Christ must strive to set themselves apart from their former sinful lifestyles and all manners of sinful actions, speech, and thought. 

Nevertheless the foundation of God [stands] sure, having this seal, The Lord [knows] them that are his. And, Let every one that [names] the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19 

If any man among you seem to be religious, and [bridles] not his tongue, but [deceives] his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:26-27 

Believers are further warned against the danger of quarreling over words, trivial doctrines and practices as it is of no value other than to the harm of those who listen. 

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that [needs] not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:14-16 

Followers of Christ are commanded to actively attend church and in doing so, strengthen others and themselves while continuing to grow in faith. They know the church is the body or group of believers, so that where the church is, they should be as well. The person who says they do not need to attend a church to worship or serve God is ignorant of the truth and blinded by society. 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 

Have you been experiencing lifes difficulties, or are you searching for answered prayers? 

Christ said, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 
Matthew 6:33 

Finally, and most importantly, whom have you told the gospel of Jesus Christ to lately? 

But this I say, He which [sows] sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which [sows] bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he [purposes] in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God [loves] a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 

Christ gave us the royal order to, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 

Let these words reassure you in your salvation and continued walk with God. Be thou faithful unto death, and I [Jesus Christ] will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 

Works Cited 

Parshall, Janet and Craig. Tough Faith  Trusting God in Troubled 
Times, Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers. 1999. 

Rairdin, Craig. Quick Verse for Windows 3.0j Parsons Technology Inc. 
1992-1994. 

Thompson, Frank Charles 
The Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible King James Version. 
Indianapolis, Indiana: B.B. Kirkbridge Bible Co., Inc., 1988. 

 
