Do You Know Jesus?

Time-tested, loved, and read by millions around the world, the Bible presents key truths which explain how we can know God. The first truth is very personal. Romans 3:10-12 describes each one of us, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” Some people have a hard time believing that, so let’s examine it further.

Almost every person thinks he is basically good. Well, one way to find out is to ask yourself if you have obeyed the most basic common law known to man, the Ten Commandments. You can read all ten by looking up Exodus 20:1-17 in the Bible. Most people would say that they have broken one or two of the Ten Commandments, but nothing very serious.

But let’s take a closer look. How would you measure up against the first commandment? Exodus 20:3 says “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Ask yourself, “Have I always put God first in my life?” Jesus said to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength (Matthew 22:37). Another commandment says, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Jesus explained, “Do not murder…but I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:21-22). God doesn’t grade on a curve. The Ten Commandments reveal how far we fall short of God’s standard for right living.

Even though we missed the mark of God’s standard, his mercy comes shining through. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He knows you’re a sinner; but he wants you to know he’s a Savior. Second Peter 3:9 says “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” His abundant love has provided a Savior, and his name is Jesus.

Jesus is the One who lived perfectly and honored God’s law. This means he was able to bear sin’s death penalty, all so that we could be rescued from our predicament! “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” (I Peter 3:18). Friend, meet Jesus, your substitute on the cross.

Jesus is the only one who can forgive and transform us: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

He is our remedy for sin! Oh, friend, don’t you long to be free of the fear of death? Would you like to be assured of a home in heaven? Do you wish your life had meaning and purpose? Jesus is your “bridge over troubled waters” in this world. God the Father wants to give you his Son as not only your substitute for sin’s death penalty, but he wants Jesus to be your best friend, peace of mind and heart, and purpose for living. The best part is, he wants to work through your life so that others might know him, too.

Who do you say Jesus is? The salvation message is clear: Turn away from your sin and embrace Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. How do you do that? God knows what’s in your heart–He’s more concerned about that, than you reciting a formula-prayer. But if you need help, borrow the following words as a prayer…

Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the debt for my sin by dying on the cross. I confess my sins, which are many. Thank you for forgiving me and I want to show you my gratitude by turning away from my old sinful habits. I embrace you as the Lord of my life and I desire to follow you the rest of my days. Thank you for giving me power and strength to live a life that honors and pleases you! I pray this in the only Name that saves, Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you have opened up your heart to God and embraced his Son today, we encourage you to tell another Christian about your new life in Christ. Find a Bible and start reading it. It’s the Word of God and he gave it to us that we might learn more about following him. Finally, locate a Christ-honoring church in your community where you can join a Bible study which focuses on the life of Christ. Second Peter 3:18 is now your goal: “…grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Welcome to God’s family! Please let us hear from you – we would love to send you resources as you take your first steps as a follower of Jesus Christ.