How to Know God

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WE ALL HAVE SINNED

The Bible tells us that we have all sinned against God Who is Holy and Just. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We like to think that we are good people, but the Bible assures us that we are not. "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10). Think about God's law -- the Ten Commandments. None of us have kept His law perfectly -- we are all guilty of breaking God's law. Be honest as you ask yourself the following questions: How many lies have you told in your life? Have you ever stolen anything irrespective of its value? Have you ever used God's name in vain? Have you ever coveted something that belonged to another person? Have you always honored your mother and father? Have you ever committed adultery? -- WAIT -- Before you answer this one realize that Jesus said, "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). The Bible also says that "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer . . ." (1 John 3:15). We have not even covered all of the Ten Commandments and clearly, if we are honest, we know that we have all violated God's law and are guilty before Him. For the Bible also says, "Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all" (James 2:10). All of humanity is without excuse before Almighty God (Romans 1:20).

THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH

We have all earned death from God because of our sin -- it is what we justly deserve for violating God's law. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23). The Bible not only speaks of the physical death of our earthly bodies, but also warns us of a far worse fate. If we die in our sins and have to stand guilty before our Holy and Just God on judgement day trusting in our "goodness" or good deeds to save us, then we will suffer the consequences of our sin -- eternal death, which is separation from God for all eternity in the place called Hell.

GOD LOVES YOU AND WANTS YOU TO BE SAVED

The Bible says that God "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). The Bible also says that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Romans 5:8-10).

THE FREE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." We have all earned death because of our sin -- we all deserve to be separated from God and punished for eternity in Hell; but, the good news of the Gospel is that God made a way for us to receive the forgiveness of our sins and have eternal life. 2,000 years ago God became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life. He did not deserve to die, but He willingly went to the cross, suffered, died, and rose from the grave in order to pay the penalty for our sins. He died in our place so that we would not have to suffer God's wrath for our sins. The Bible says "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). God offers us the free gift of eternal life -- we cannot earn it!  The Bible says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Listen to the words of Jesus.  Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." (John 5:24).  Jesus said, "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40).  Jesus also said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life." (John 6:47).

TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVAITON

The Bible says, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts . . ." (Hebrews 3:7-8) and "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). None of us knows when we will die. 150,000 people die every day. The Bible says, "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Please do not delay believing (trusting) in what Jesus has done on the cross.  Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. He died to pay for your sins. Yet He also rose proving His authority over even death. Nobody else can do for you what Jesus has already done, and will continue to do. Believe in Jesus, trust His promise, and find out what it truly means to have joy and peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

TELL SOMEONE ABOUT YOUR DECISION

If you have placed your faith in Jesus for eternal life CONGRATULATIONS! You are now part of the Family of God. Please do not let this be the end of your spiritual journey. Find a Bible teaching church, so that you can fellowship with other believers. Begin to read your Bible so that you can and grow in the knowledge of our Lord. Plan to be baptized and make a public profession of your faith. We at Lighthouse would love to help you if you have questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Pastor Travis or another church member. Our contact information is under the "More" heading at the top right of the page.