What must I do to be saved, to have a relationship with God?

The Bad News

If you want a relationship with God, first you have to realize that you’re a sinner, by choice, and because of your willful rebellion against God, you have sentenced yourself to hell.

For this let’s look at just four of the Ten Commandments: 

1. "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless who takes His name in vain.”  Exodus 20:7 

This is more than just swearing.  It’s anytime that you use God’s name without a good purpose or in loose talk. 

2. “Honor your father and your mother…”  Exodus 20:12

Have you ever disobeyed or back-talked, your parents either to their face or behind their back?  

3. "You shall not commit adultery.”  Exodus 20:14 

Have you ever had sex with anybody that you weren’t married to?  Or even thought about it?  Jesus in Matthew 5:28 said; "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 

4. "You shall not steal.”  Exodus 20:15

Have you ever taken anything?  Even something small? 

If you are honest with yourself, you would admit that you are guilty of breaking God’s laws and the punishment for your sins is this; “For the wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23a 

The Good News 

The good news is that the verse doesn’t end there, but goes on to say:  “… but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23b 

It is a gift, not something you can earn:  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.   Ephesians 2:8-9 

This gift was paid for with the blood that Jesus shed on the cross.  It is the gift of eternal life that you can have if you surrender your life to Him.  

What You Need To Do 

1. If you are doing something you know is wrong, confess it to God and turn from it.

2. Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you and rose from the dead.

3. Confess Jesus with your mouth.  Tell someone that you have made this decision to turn your life over to Jesus.

Romans 10:9-10 says:  “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

Please let us know of your decision.  If you are serious about it, you will continue on to be baptized and join a church where you can be encouraged to live for Him.  We invite you to come and join us in serving Jesus.