Freedom

We all find hope in meeting someone who has experienced the same hardships as us, yet has been able to successfully overcome them. God Himself, through Jesus Christ, became fully human, experiencing the same struggles as us, even death itself, yet overcame them all. God was willing to do this because He loves you and wants to give you the same victory in your life. The Holy Bible reveals this in Hebrews 2:18 and Hebrews 4:15 & 16. Jesus is offering you forgiveness of your sins, freedom, and an eternal home in Heaven with Him (John 11:25-26). I am providing important Biblical background information that can help you to better understand Who Jesus Christ is, why we need Him, and how to receive His freedom.

The Sin Problem

• God made Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, on the sixth day of His creation (Genesis 1). They lived in the Garden of Eden, a perfect place. God had one requirement - "don't touch or eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden or you will die" (Genesis 2:16-17).
• Genesis chapter 3 tells us that Adam and Eve decided to disobey God and eat fruit from the forbidden tree. Their decision to follow their own desires, rather than God's will, was a sin that brought the curse of human suffering and death into the world.

What Does This Mean For Us Now?

• We also have sinned (Romans 3:23) and sin still destroys lives (Romans 6:23). Sin also leads to separation from God, and eternal condemnation/suffering (Matthew 13:49-50, 2 Peter 2:4-6).
• No one can escape the effects of sin on their own (Romans 5:12). Therefore, we all desperately need a solution to this sin problem!

Jesus Christ: God's Solution

God, in His love for us, sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, Who never sinned, to take the punishment for our sins (John 3:16, 1 John 4:10).

• Jesus was sent to us from Heaven through a miraculous virgin birth (Luke 1:26-27, 31-32).
• At 30 years of age (Luke 3:23a), Jesus began teaching, performing miracles, and supernaturally healing people, proving that He is God (John 10:37-38). He still heals people today (Psalm 103:2-3, Psalm 147:3).
• Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders due to His rising popularity (John 11:47-53), and they convinced the Roman government to convict Him as a criminal and sentence Him to death by crucifixion (John 19:15-18).
• Jesus willfully died on a cross, and shed His blood as the ultimate payment for our sins (Ephesians 1:7).
• He was buried in a tomb (Mark 15:46), and after the third day God raised Him up from the dead (Luke 24:6-7). Forty days later He ascended to Heaven (Luke 24:51).
• Jesus is gloriously coming back, and only God knows the exact time. Be ready! (Matthew 24:30-31, 36, 44)

Beginning Your Relationship With Jesus Christ

To receive His salvation, you must personally believe and express your faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9, Mark 16:16).

Here is a prayer you may choose to say:

1. I believe that Jesus is God's Son (John 3:16) and that He is the only true God (Acts 4:12).
2. I believe that Jesus Christ died on a cross as the punishment for my sins (1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
3. I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 10:10-11, John 14:2-3).
4. I confess my sins to you, God (specifically name your known sins) and I receive Your total forgiveness and freedom (1 John 1:9).
5. Thank you God for making me into a brand new person, no longer identified by my past sins (2 Corinthians 5:17).
6. Jesus, I commit to following Your ways, and I make You the Master (Lord) of my life.

How to Maintain Your Relationship With Christ

• Commit specific times of your day to prayer. Don't wait for your feelings to motivate you; they are not always reliable. God wants to hear from you. The Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, is a great guide.
• Your relationship with Christ grows as you aspire to obey Him. Jesus said, "If you love me you will obey me" (John 14:15). The Greatest Commands given by Jesus are found in Matthew 22:37-39. The Ten Commandments, also honoured by Jesus, are found in Exodus 20:3-17.
• It is not possible to obey God's commands solely on your own personal strength. Simply ask God's Holy Spirit, also known as The Comforter, to empower and guide you (John 16:13). Following Jesus is a growing process, so never give up if you fail. His mercy is there to forgive and help you to obey Him again (John 2:1). Stay humble and honest with God, remembering that He already knows your heart.
• Knowing the Word of God (The Bible) is essential because Jesus and The Word of God are one, and inseparable (John 1:1). Therefore, we need to study the scriptures (2 Timothy 2:15). A transformation of attitude and actions should become evident to you and others as you diligently study God's Word.
• Ask God for boldness and strength to uphold your relationship with Christ (Philippians 4:13), even in the face of people's rejection (John 15:18-19, 2 Timothy 3:12).

I have provided what I personally believe is essential to becoming a Christian. It takes commitment on your part, but the rewards last eternally.

Welcome to the family of Christ!

(The preceding is excerpted from samrossi.com by permission)