How to Have Eternal Life

The most wonderful thing in the world is to know for certain that you have eternal life and that you will go to heaven when you die.  The most awful thing in the world is to have doubts and fears about where you will spend eternity.

The good news is that God has told us in the Bible how to have eternal life.  Eternal life is available to anyone and that includes you!  The way of salvation is outlined in the four following statements:

YOU MUST REALIZE that you are a sinner.  The Bible says that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  To “sin” means to break God’s law, to miss the mark, or step out of bounds.  We are all guilty!  Sin brings separation from God and the life that God offers. 

YOU MUST RECOGNIZE that Jesus is God’s Son.  The most familiar verse in the Bible says, “For 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).  Jesus died on the cross for your sin.  Jesus arose from the dead to purchase your salvation. 

YOU MUST REPENT of your sin.  Jesus said, “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5).  “Repent” means to have a change of mind that results in a change of heart and a change of direction.  It is like making a u-turn on the highway.  Repentance is saying, “I don’t like the road I’m on.  I don’t like the direction I’m headed.  I sure don’t like where this road is taking me.”

YOU MUST RECEIVE Jesus as your Savior.  The Bible says that, “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).  To “receive” Jesus means to place your faith in Him.  All you have to do is accept Jesus and confess Him as your personal Savior and Lord.

HERE IS A SUGGESTED PRAYER.  Please know that there is nothing magical about praying words that you do not mean.  But, if these words express what you would like to say to God, pray this prayer from the depths of your heart:

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me.  I believe that you are God’s Son.  I believe that you died for my sin and rose again from dead.  I am ready to turn from sin and I am asking you to come into my life and take control of my life.  Please forgive me of my sin.  I give you all of my life for the rest of my life.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for hearing my prayer and giving me eternal life.  Help me to live every day for you.  In Jesus name, Amen!”

If you have just prayed this simple prayer, we would like to celebrate with you and welcome you into the family of God. Please call or write us to let us know that you have received eternal life. We want to encourage you in your walk with Jesus.