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We have all failed to live up to what God expects of us. No one is able
to perfectly keep God's commandments. Truly, "All
have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Our
disobedience separates us from our Creator. We need His divine forgiveness.
How can we be sure that God will forgive us? How can a perfectly just and
righteous God overlook our sin? The situation would be impossible if God
had not settled the issue Himself. He sent His Son to this earth to become
a man and to ultimately give His life for you and me.
On the cross where Jesus died, He took the punishment for sin that we
deserved. The Bible says God made Him, "to be sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him"
(2 Corinthians 5:21).
Because of what Jesus has accomplished, it is possible to know that God
will forgive you and receive you into His Kingdom. You can have the
assurance of God's forgiveness by taking the following steps:
- Recognize that your sin separates you from God. In honest
repentance (admitting to and turning from sin) confess your need for
forgiveness: "If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
- Realize that God loves you, and believe that Jesus Christ died for your
sins: "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).
- Receive Him into your life by faith and trust Him as your Savior:
"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12).
When you have followed these steps in faith, you can know that God has
forgiven you. Right where you are you can pray something like this:
Lord,
I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died
on the cross to save me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive
me. Just as Jesus gave His life for me, I now give my life to Him.
I trust Him alone to save me and I will follow Him as Lord. Thank You Jesus for saving me.
Evidence of true conversion
What are some signs of true repentance and salvation? They include deep humility,
a serious reverence for the Almighty, a heartfelt desire to be forgiven by those
against whom you have trespassed, a mighty gratitude for the Cross of Christ,
a profound shame for the sins of your old life,
a proper grasp of your sinful nature, and a serious desire and determination
to turn away from sinful behavior.
This is the work of God's Holy Spirit within you.
Questions? Need someone to talk to? Contact me
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