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What the Bible 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." John 3:16

However, God is absolutely holy. We humans are not holy. In fact, we are sinful. We reject God. We don't like anyone telling us what to do. We want to do things our way. This rebellious attitude is what the Bible refers to as "sin." Every person is a sinner.

What the Bible says: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

There is a penalty for sin. Just as criminals have to pay a penalty for their crimes, sinners have to pay a penalty for their sins. The ultimate penalty is spiritual death, an eternal separation from God spent in a place called Hell.

What the Bible says: "The wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23

Some people think that living a "good life" is all they need to do. But no amount of good deeds can make up for the fact that you are still a sinner. "This is not fair," you say. "I am being condemned for being a sinner, yet you tell me I can't help being a sinner."

The Good News is that because God loves us and knows we are helpless and without hope in our sins, He has provided a way to save us from having to pay the penalty of our sins. God sent His Son, His only Son, Jesus Christ, into our world to die on a cross and pay the sin penalty for us.

What the Bible says: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Incredible as it sounds, God has given you a wonderful free gift. Through this sacrifice that Jesus made on your behalf, God has forgiven you of your sins, and provided a way for you to be reconciled to Him in His holiness and to have eternal life in Heaven with Him, something you could never do on your own. The Bible calls this "grace," an undeserved gift.

What the Bible says: "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." I Peter 3:18

Also, God raised Jesus from the dead. Through the resurrected Jesus, God Himself comes to live within you by his Spirit. Through His Spirit, God gives you the power to change your life and live the way He wants you to.

"So what do I need to do?" you ask. You only have to receive this wonderful gift by believing that Jesus Christ died for you. A commitment to Christ requires a step of faith, an acceptance of the sacrifice which He made for you.

What the Bible says: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this not is not your own doing, it is the gift of God.." Ephesians 2:8

Jesus Christ wants to have a personal relationship with you. If you are ready to have a personal relationship with Him, you can pray to Him in your own words and tell Him so. You have the privilege of talking with Him in prayer about anything at anytime.

You might like to pray something like this:

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I am sorry for having rebelled against you. I know I need your forgiveness. I believe that your Son, Jesus, died for my sins. I accept Jesus as my own personal Savior Please forgive me and change me. I want to make a fresh start in life with You. Amen

If you would like to talk to a minister or prayer counselor, please contact the church (919.467.9394) and ask for Pastor Kelly Lyn.

For additional information see "2 Ways to Live" from Capitol Hill Baptist Church and "Steps to Peace with God" from the Billy Graham organization.