Steps to Peace with God, By Billy Graham
| Step 1--God's Purpose: Peace & Eternal Life |
God loves you, and He wants you to live in peace with Him and to receive eternal life.
The Bible Says...
"...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
"...the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord."
Romans 6:23b
Since God planned for us to be at peace with Him and to have eternal life, why are many people not enjoying this experience?
| Step 2--Our Problem: Sin & Separation |
God did not make us robots to mindlessly love and obey Him. Instead He gave us a will and freedom of choice. But, like Adam, we often choose to disobey God and go our own selfish ways (read Genesis chapters 2-3). This side of our nature is called sin, and it separates us from God.
The Bible Says...
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...the wages of sin is death."
Romans 3:23; 6:23
"So [after Adam sinned] the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden...."
Genesis 3:23a
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Our sin separates us from God.
| Step 3--God's Remedy: The Cross |
Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem of separation from God. He died on the cross and rose from the grave to pay the penalty for our sin--completely bridging the gap between us and God.
The Bible Says...
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
"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
"...God is on one side and all the people on the other side, and Christ Jesus, Himself man, is between them to bring them together..."
1 Timothy 2:5 (TLB)
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word [Jesus] and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 5:24
God has provided the only way... and we must make the choice....
| Step 4--Our Response: Receive Christ |
We can receive Jesus Christ when we believe in His message and trust in Him alone to save us.
The Bible Says...
"All the prophets testify about Him that every one who believes in Him [Jesus Christ] receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Acts 10:43
"[Jesus said] Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
John 14:1
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name."
John 1:12
How to receive Christ:
- Admit your need (I am a sinner).
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent).
- 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 Him as your Savior).
What to Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am sinful and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died to pay the penalty for my sin. I want to turn from my sin nature and follow You instead. I invite You to come into my heart and life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
God's Assurance: His Word
If you sincerely prayed this prayer and asked Jesus Christ to come into your life, do you know what He has given you?
The Bible Says...
"Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13
"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:39
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life...."
1 John 5:12-13, NKJV
Your New Life:
When you receive Christ, you are born into God's family through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer...this is called regeneration or "new birth." God bless you as you begin your wonderful new life in Christ.
Source: ATS
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