Where you choose to spend eternity
is the most important decision you will ever make
Some people think there are many ways to eternal life or that any belief will lead to Heaven. In the Bible, however, Jesus tells us that there is only one way to have eternal life and that is through Him.
“Jesus saith unto them, I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 14:6
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Although God is specific about eternal life and how it is obtained, He is also very compassionate.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
God offers eternal life as a free gift to all who will receive it. In these few words below, you will discover the “importance of one.”
God placed the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden. He gave them the ability to choose between good and evil. When Adam was tempted by Satan, he chose to disobey God. Because of one man’s sin, every person born since Adam has inherited a sinful nature (a desire to disobey God) and is spiritually separated from God.
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners…” Romans 5:19
We choose to sin (disobey God) because of our sinful nature; therefore, we are sinners by birth and by choice.
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
Every person has the same spiritual problem — sin. The Bible states this about all humankind:
“…There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
Do you understand that you are a sinner by birth as the result of one man’s sin?
The payment (penalty) for sin is death. The Bible explains the three aspects of death.
Spiritual death is the lost spiritual condition in which we are all born. As a result of Adam’s sin, we are born spiritually dead, separated from God.
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Romans 5:12
Physical death is when we cease to function with an earthly body. Contrary to how it may appear, this visible, physical death is not the end of our existence.
“For the wages of sin is death…” Romans 6:23
Eternal death is separation from God in Hell. It is the fate of every person who has not believed on Jesus Christ as Saviour.
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment…” Matthew 25:46
Do you understand that the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God?
Now that you understand that the penalty for sin is death, it helps you see the importance of the death of Jesus Christ. Jesus, God’s only Son, was 100 percent God and 100 percent man.
“…Jesus the Son of God…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-15
He willingly obeyed God the Father by coming to the earth, living a sinless life, and dying on the cross in your place.
“…by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19
“But God commendeth [proved] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
The Bible also says that after Jesus died on the cross, He was buried and rose from the dead three days later.
“…I declare unto you the gospel… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4
Do you understand that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sin?
Heaven is a perfect place, without sin. Therefore, man’s sin must be paid for before entering God’s presence (Heaven). Jesus paid that penalty for you and provided the only way to enter Heaven. You must believe He did this for you in order to be saved from your sin.
“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” Acts 16:31
“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
Believing is not merely acknowledging that Jesus existed or that He was a good person.
Believing is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. You must have faith that He died for you, paid the price for your sin, and is the only way to Heaven.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
Has there been a time in your life when you believed on Jesus Christ as Saviour?
Satan will try to convince you there is plenty of time to believe on Jesus Christ as Saviour — it his most dangerous strategy. The Bible reminds us, however, that we do not always know what lies ahead:
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14
Would you like to receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour right now?
Pray Sincerely …
“Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner and deserve to go to hell. I believe that you died on the cross, paid the penalty for my sin, and rose from the dead three days later. I am placing my faith in you alone to forgive my sin and save me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
The assurance that you have eternal life is based on God’s unchanging word. The Bible provides this assurance to those that have believed on Him.
“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
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36
God does not lie. He has promised everlasting life to those that believe on Him as Saviour.
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2
Used by permission. Copyright 2015 Local Church Resources
