Becoming
a
Christian

Salvation Through Christ: A Matter of FAITH

What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven? Is it luck? Good deeds?
Nothing at all? Or is there something more? The Bible has the real answer to this
question. It's a matter of FAITH.

 F stands for FORGIVENESS. We cannot have eternal life without God's forgiveness.
Ephesians 1:7a says, "In Him (Jesus Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of sins."

 A is for AVAILABLE. Forgiveness is available for all. John 3:16 says, "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." But forgiveness is not automatic. "Not everyone who says
to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven," says Matthew 7:21a.

 I is for IMPOSSIBLE. It is impossible for God to allow sin into heaven because of who
He is and because of who we are. God is loving and just, but His judgment is against
sin. James 2:13a says, "Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who
has not been merciful." We are sinful people. Romans 3:23 tells us, "For all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God."

 T is for TURN. To turn means to repent. We can repent - or turn - from our sin and
from ourselves. "But unless you repent, you too will all perish," Luke 13:3b says. We
can also turn to Someone. Trust Christ alone. Romans 10:9 tells us how: "That 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."

 H is for HEAVEN. Heaven is eternal life. Here, that means life "to the full:" "I have
come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10b)." In the hereafter, it
means the promise of heaven: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back
and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3)."

So how can a person have God's forgiveness, heaven and eternal life, and Jesus as
personal Savior and Lord? By trusting in Christ and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the
step of faith described by another meaning of FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him.

You do this through a simple prayer reflecting your desire for Christ to change your life.
You don't need fancy words - only an honest heart. You can pray something like this:

       Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and have displeased You in many ways. I
    believe You died for my sin, and only through faith in Your death and
    resurrection can I be forgiven. I want to turn from my sin and ask You to
    come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You
    by living a life that pleases You. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Accepting Christ is just the beginning of a wonderful adventure with God! Get to know
Him better in a number of ways:

 * Follow Christ's example in baptism.
 * Join a church where you can worship God and grow in your faith.
 * In your church, get involved in Sunday School and Bible study.
 * Begin a daily personal worship experience with God where you study the Bible and
pray.

We'd love to hear from you - Please feel free to ask us any questions you have about
becoming a Christian, or tell us about your decision to follow Jesus Christ. Please let us
know how we can serve you. Send us your comments.

If you are not ready to contact us now, you may enjoy viewing this presentation of
Jesus Christ's influence.
Hearts on Fire...Hands at Work
Connected to Grow and Serve