God loves you and has a plan for you!

The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10).

Why don’t most people have this peace and abundant life that God planned for us to have?

Humanity is sinful and separated from God.

We have all done, thought, or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23).

No bridge reaches God . . . except one:

God sent His Son to die for your sins!

Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives!

“Christ died for our sins. . . . He was buried. . . . He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

God has provided the only way. Each person must make a choice.

We can’t earn salvation.

We are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible says:

• “Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
• “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
• “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).

Here’s how:

• Admit your need (“I am a sinner”)
• Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God’s forgiveness
• Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave
• Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)

When you pray, don’t worry about saying the “right thing.” There are no special or magic words needed to make Jesus hear you or forgive you. He created you, he loves you, and he knows what’s in your heart!

If you want some help, you can use this prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness.

I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life.

I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.”