You'd probably agree there's a lot of personal opinion—right or wrong—about what a Christian is. Let's clear away the confusion by going to the source, seeing what God has to say.
Christ said: I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6)
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
So Christ is our way to God, but we're all sinners and separated from God.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)
And that carries a penalty.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
But God provided a way out.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; (1Peter 3:18)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)
What does this require of us?
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)
Are you still thinking you're good enough? This is what God thinks about our "goodness."
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)
He's made a way out of this mess—just one way—and it has nothing to do with any goodness in us.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Do you believe God's Word to be the truth, that Jesus is who He claimed to be, that you are a sinner in need of a Savior, and that Jesus is the only way to the Father and life? Does the following prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, talk to God about it.
“Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe you are God’s eternal Son. I believe you came to earth from Heaven, that you died for my sins, were buried, and resurrected from the dead. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I now put my trust in You and receive You as my personal Savior. Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer, you have God’s assurance of life—eternal life:
And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13)
You are a member of the family of God with all its rights and privileges. Welcome to the family!
It is now important for you to learn the basics of growing and maturing as a Christian. We encourage you to read the Bible daily, join one of the discipleship groups available during the week, and regularly join us in worshiping God at our 9:00 or 10:45 a.m. services. You won’t want to miss the next Boot Camp class where you’ll learn the 5 basic assurances every Christian can rely on. Check the Calendar, keep your eye on the Sunday morning printed program, and/or Contact the church office (951-352-8685) to sign up for the next Boot Camp or to join a small group.
One of the first steps to being Jesus’ follower is to do what he asks us to do and one of the first things He asks of you is to admit publicly through baptism that you’ve accepted Him as your Savior (Matthew 28:19). Please circle “B” on the Welcome card next Sunday to be scheduled for our next baptism. We’ll contact you with further information.