HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

Perhaps you have recognized a need to have God in your life. Maybe you feel yourself being drawn to Him. One of the best ways to learn more about God, and His Son Jesus Christ, is to read the New Testament part of the Holy Bible, starting with the book of John. As you learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ and what He wants for you, you must take great care to avoid those people and/or churches with a defective understanding of what God wants us to know and do. It is not necessary to quickly and early on in your new walk with God to commit yourself to any set of beliefs, church or denomination. Because there are many counterfeits you must proceed slowly and base beliefs only on God's word, the Holy Bible. The information about the errors in Mormonism on the web page this article was posted on is one example of counterfeit Christianity. There are many more.
If you have been drawn to God you can have a personal relationship with with Him through the biblical Jesus Christ, and the assurance of eternal life. We obtain this through prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, to the real God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of the Bible.

1. Admit that on your own you are separated from God by sin, unable to save yourself (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6). Be willing to turn from your sin, that is repent of them (1 John 1:8-10).

2. Believe that the real Jesus Christ died to pay the penalty for your personal sins and will take them away (Romans 5:8-9; Mark 2:5-10). Accept this in faith, as a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), and that God will draw you to Him (John 6:44, 65, 12:32; Matt 16:17). Believe John 3:16.

3. Invite Jesus Christ into your life to be your personal Lord and Savior. Confess Him with your mouth and believe it in your heart  (Romans 10:9-10; Revelation 3:20;  John 1:12; Romans 8:14-17; 1 John 5:11-13). Believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1-3; Rev. 3:20). Notice that not one church or denomination is mentioned in these verses. Jesus Christ is the only person with such authority.
      Weave the thoughts in items 1-3 into a prayer in your words. Start off with "Dear Heavenly Father" and close with "I ask and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ." Qualify your prayers to the God of the Bible.

4. Read God's Word, the Bible, daily (start with the gospel of John) and allow Him to take over the management of your life, let Him be your Lord. Let His Holy Spirit fill you and lead you daily.

5. Expect to see God working in your life (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13; Isaiah 42:16; John 6:44; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Peter 1:2-11; Luke 6:43).

6. Seek out a Christian church of believers who stand on God's Word, the Bible, and it alone. Take care to see that the practice of the believers you associate with fits God's word. Don't hesitate to leave false teachings. For special and very unique reasons you may not be able to do this. Then associate with Christians as much as possible until you can find a suitable church. Article G-15, "How To Select a Church," off the main page, will help you with this.

John Farkas
Berean Christian Ministries; P.O. Box 1091; Webster, NY 14580

E-mail: bcmmin@frontiernet.net    Web page: http://www.bcmmin.org

art/salpray 12-31-97