HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

Every person who is, was and will be born, is born with what the Bible calls a sin nature. That means that we come right out of the womb with the propensity to sin. Sin is an old English archery word. In those days, when an archer let his arrow fly and it struck the target outside of the bull's-eye, he was said to have sinned. Basically, it means outside of center, or outside of perfection. Since God is the basis of perfection, (the bull's-eye) that we have to look at and to judge sin by, we can see that perfection is unattainable, at least as man's effort to attain perfection is concerned. Just look at the Ten Commandments which God gave us in the book of Exodus, and you will see (if you are honest with yourself) that you have broken at least one, if not many of those simple rules that God gave us to live by. 

So where did this "sin nature" originate? When man was first created, he was created in perfection, but with a free will. Satan had rebelled against God and lead a third of the angels with him in his rebellion. Because he wanted to discredit God, he decided to corrupt God's perfect creation. Now, God gave Adam and Eve free reign over the Earth but gave them one restriction; not to eat from the "Tree of The Knowledge of Good And Evil." He told them that if they did, they would die. By this, he meant that they would become corrupted and die a spiritual death, losing their perfect relationship with God. Satan approached Eve and convinced her that if she ate the fruit she would not die, but would become like God, knowing good from evil. So Eve made the willful decision to believe a liar and ate the fruit, then offered it to her husband Adam. The Bible says that immediately their eyes were open and they lost their innocence. Thus, the propensity to sin in human nature was born and would wreak havoc for millennia to come.

Man's Feeble Attempt:

Mankind has always known that it was sinful, even if it had no exposure to the Bible and it's wisdom. That is the reason why there are so many religions with so many ways to appease a deity. I heard a saying years ago that rings so true and it goes like this: "Religion is man's attempt to reach God, but Christianity (in its true form) is God's attempt to reconcile man to Himself." 

In most of the eastern religions, they say that a person has to die over and over again until they finally get it right. Imagine having to be born into this world and live in it over and over again. That's not fun, it's hell on earth. They say that in these religions, there are ways to reach enlightenment, but those rules were laid down by others who have had to do the soul circuit many times also, so who is to say that they are right? No one that I could ever trust.

Then there are the religions who perform penance to appease their god. In the past there were religions where people would cut themselves and deform their bodies in order to appease their gods. Others sacrificed their children by throwing them into fire, offering them to non-existent gods. Today, penance is performed in a variety of religions and in a variety of different ways. Some in the Islamic world believe that driving a car bomb into a group of people, perceived by them to be enemies of God is a way to get to god. Some believe that they have to visit the Islamic holy sites at least once to find favor with their god. 

In the Christian realm there are sects that do penance too. In some Pentecostal circles if a person doesn't tithe they are cursed by God and not as "evolved" in their religion as others. They are told that if they don't speak in other tongues that they are not as blessed as others. Sometimes they spend so much time looking for what spiritual gift God has given them that they forget about the important things, like feeding the starving, clothing those who need clothing, and taking care of the widow and fatherless. 

Catholicism is one of the worse offenders where penance is concerned, and the term is freely used in the church. There is not one place in the Bible where Christians are told to pray to the saints, pray to idols, pray to Mary or pray the rosary. Purgatory is never mentioned in the Bible and to even suggest such a place is a slap in the face of God Almighty and the holy sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Man's final attempt free himself from sin is to deny that it even exists. Humanism is a religion where man exalts himself as a deity. If a person denies sin, they deny a need for a redeemer. So, how do you deny sin and the redeemer. Well, you invent a theory called Evolution and you bombard the public with false claims and you tell them about it day and night. You corrupt the children by teaching it to them in schools but prohibit any form of Christianity on school grounds. While I don't like to quote Adolph Hitler for obvious reasons, he did say that "if you tell a lie long enough the public will believe it." The advance of evolution in our society proves that statement correct. 

So we see that man has devised (with the help of Satan I'm sure) many ways to deny the truth and promote lies. So is there a right way to be saved? Is there a sure way to know if you are right with God. Is there a way to remove the guilt and shame that will last the test of time? Sure there is, but only one way which we will examine below.

God's Provision - God's Grace:

You've probably heard terms like testament or covenant if you have been around any Christians for any length of time. The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. Testament and covenant are fancy words for agreement or contract. God is the initiator of the contract, but there have to be two signers, God and man.  In all other religions, the contract goes something like this: if you constantly try to appease me, and if you do penance all of the time then perhaps I will accept you. In the Old Testament it was similar, but with the condition that if rules were followed, the adherent would definitely be accepted. Animal sacrifices were required because: 

In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

I know that there are some who probably think that animal sacrifice was cruel and inhumane, but one must remember that the world of that time was agricultural. We must also realize that the word sacrifice denotes giving something that is very dear, or even life sustaining to the giver. Thus, when God commanded that animals be given as sacrifice, it was reasonable requirement. 

It must be understood that all told, there were actually 613 commandments that the people of Israel had to follow. Not only were there Ten Commandments, but there were civil laws, capital laws and dietary laws to follow. We know from modern times, that there are a lot of laws to govern us, and we don't know them all and I am sure that everyone breaks at least one a week, if not one a day. 

Anyway, back on track. God knew that man was unable to keep his commands and he knew that He would have to do something to obliterate sin. That is why He sent His Son into the world. First, God wanted to experience firsthand the things that you and I go through. He wanted feel the tug of sin and rebellion that constantly pull on our hearts. He wanted to feel our sorrows and joys, our up's and down's  and so on. Then, because he knew that only the shedding of blood removes sin, He sacrificed His own son so that all who believe that the sacrifice was for them, and who turned to God would have eternal forgiveness and freedom from guilt and shame. God is so wonderful that he put His signature on the deal by raising Jesus from the dead on the third day to show mankind that we could have communion with Him and he give us hope that we too will someday be resurrected to be with Him forever. Then, to top the cake so to speak, He gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us in right and wrong and to lead us in righteousness (doing what is right in God's eyes) so that we can please our (Father) God. 

Now those other religions make you work hard for the possibility that you might get to heaven, or wherever it is that they go after death. God however said, "I love you, let me help you to come to me, I'll guide you and love you forever. You don't have to hopelessly strive anymore because if you believe in My Son and what he did for you, you will have eternal life in Paradise." That's all we have to do is believe. Oh, and might I mention that when Jesus died and rose again, he fulfilled all of those laws that were required of the Children of Israel and ultimately ourselves. That leaves us with a liberty to love each other and to love God all the more.

There comes a point in every person's life when they come to a split in the road. For some it happens in their youth, for others it occurs at the end of their life and for most, it comes between those times. Yes, each person reaches a point during their life when they have to look honestly at their life and their inevitable death.

The fork in the road, to which I refer, is the critical moment, where each person must choose between an eternity with God, Jesus and that blessedness; or Satan and destruction. This can happen at any time in a person's life, but of course, the earlier, the better. Most Biblical Scholars believe that there is an "age of accountability." Before this age, God is merciful and grants pardon because the person is not able to understand sin and its implications. Most believe that this happens around the age of 12 or 13 when puberty begins and we awaken to the ways of the world.

Jesus himself mentioned this fork in the road when He said, "broad is the way that leads to destruction, and narrow the way to eternal life. He knew, that many would choose what they think is the easy lifestyle, to live like all others and to be one of the crowd. He knew about the strong bonds that the world has with each person who lives in it. To put it bluntly, it is easier and may even appear to be more fun to lead a life toward eternal damnation, then to lead a sacred life or to try, to do so. He knows our hearts better then we do.

With all that in mind, please read about my life, the eternal damnation for which I once lived then read further about the splendid rescue, that was granted to me by Jesus Christ, (Yeshua of the Messiah), my Lord and savior.

 A SHORT STORY

I was born in New Jersey, in the eastern United States. Because I had parents, that went to church, I considered myself a Christian. The stupidity of this thought struck me later when I heard the phrase, "if you were born in a bagel shop, would that make you a bagel?" I went through the usual customs; that is being baptized, going through confirmation and receiving of my first communion. After these matters, I was disillusioned with church, as were my parents. The divorce of my parents influenced me to the point of questioning of my belief, or if it was to my advantage, to have beliefs with all. Later I came in contact with a cousin, whom I always respected, who lived in California, and he familiarized me with a variety of drugs. I took many science classes in High School and my favorite was anthropology, which should have been called archeology because it dealt with evolution and all its aspects. I exchanged my belief of God for a faith in evolution. My life, that was once in a downward, slide now started to decline more quickly.

 When I reached the age of 19 I came to a point in my life, where I didn't like myself, or the way that I lived. I was tired of the drugs and the night-life and of course that undesirable man that I had become. A good friend of mine gave me some simple steps, that everyone that is honest about themselves and God, can do. I knew, that the only way to fix my life-situation, was to listen to my friend and to do what he told to me to do. Since that day, my life has been so different. I feel like I have a purpose in this life and, that I am actually needed and wanted, and not by any earthly person, but by God Himself. So, no matter what you're feeling today, if you seriously wish an change in your life, you'll follow the steps below. You won't be sorry, I promise!

HOW TO ATTAIN YOUR NEW LIFE

Jesus said "except a man be born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven." I will list the steps and if you wish, you can perform them. Remember, only do this if you are serious about getting a new life, and becoming a new creation. Yes, you will actually become a son or daughter, as the case may be, of the Master and Creator of the Universe.

1. Admit to yourself, that you and your life are a mess, and, that you are in need of very serious help. Admitting of it is the first step.

2. Speak to God (He really listens) and tell him what you have just admitted to yourself. Tell him that you recognize, that you need help, and, that you would like to change for the better. Tell him that you know that Jesus died and took your position on the cross, and, that you believe it and are gratefully for it.

3. Invite Jesus into your heart and your life. He will never enter, unless you ask Him to come in.

4. Spend a lot of time with your new Father and Jesus, and tell them everything that is on your mind and heart. God loves to listen and now that you are His, he can begin the work of rebuilding you.

5. Recognize, that things might not immediately change and be ready for temptations. Remember, you have left evil and sided with good, and Satan is not too cheerful over that. Don't worry however, Jesus will walk you through each attempt. The Bible says that "God won't let you be tempted beyond what you can endure, but prepares ways of escape for you."

6. Read your Bible each chance you get and set aside times for reading if you have to. The Bible is the guidebook. Through it, you will get to know your Father better. God has a way of explaining of His word to you, as you read. Take the Bible literally because it is the truth. Use it to test all things that you are told or offered. If a church, a person, an idea or ideal doesn't correspond with what's in the Bible, it is junk and should be discarded. 

7. Find a church. This is extremely important. If you need help with that, write me through clicking of the mailbox at the bottom of the page and ask me about denominations, and such.

8. It is important to focus on Jesus, and not on His people. Churches sometimes have people who are immature in their faith and because of this they tent to falter which could cause you to lose faith. Just remember that Jesus is working on them too and like you, they are being reworked.

9. Share your new belief with others. Don't keep something for itself, that you freely received. Jesus said - if you confess me before men, I will confess you before my Father, which is in heaven.

Now that you have made this wonderful choice, please let me know. I want no credit for your decision, I just would like to enjoy the news with you. Oh, another matter. If you made that decision, the Bible says that all of heaven is celebrating. You caused a party in heaven my friend . God Bless you, as you live for him.

BECOME HIS DISCIPLE:

If you've made a decision for Messiah then you have made the most important decision in your life, or for your eternity for that matter. One of the most important things you can do now is to get acquainted with your new Lord. When He walked the earth so many years ago He took unto Himself twelve disciples. These were the ones that He knew He could teach and send out to others. In our modern day He seeks people He can hold as special. There are a few things that may help you to get on your way to be just that.

Aside from going to church and fellowshipping with other believers, you need to draw yourself to Him. You need to develop an intimate relationship with our Lord. To get you started and to give you a guideline, we've provided a list of things that will get you on your way. Click here to see those items. God bless you.