1. I am really a pretty good person. Isn't that enough to get me into Heaven?
God's Word, the Bible says that no matter how hard we try on our own, we cannot live up to God's standard for our life. If we even make one mistake, sin one time, we have missed it forever (Romans 3:23). God has provided a way-- and only one way-- to achieve Heaven forever. That way is through Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 3:16; John 14:6).
2. It doesn't matter what religion you are, just so you sincerely believe.... Right?
Religion has nothing to do with gaining Heaven. You must choose JESUS CHRIST, God's Son, to give you eternal life. That's the ONLY way (Acts 4:12-13).
Once you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you are saved FOREVER. God is not an "Indian Giver" who may change his mind and take away your salvation. Jesus Christ himself said in John, chapter 10, verses 27 and 28: "My sheep (Christians) listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them ETERNAL LIFE (that means forever), and they shall 'never' perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." Notice that he didn't say "they shall never perish, unless they do something I don't like." The Word of God says we are saved forever. Isn't that great? We should yield our lives daily to him and allow him to change us from the inside out.
That sounds like I can get saved and live any way I want to.
The answer is Yes, you could become a Christian, and live any way you want to. This is misunderstand what salvation is all about. As a christian, you should want to turn away from sinful living, and give Jesus Christ control of your life. When Jesus Christ takes control of your life, He brings change (2 Corinthians 5:17). So... Yes, technically we can sin all we want to, but why would we want to? You see, when Jesus Christ takes control of a life, He brings change.
3. Whats the difference between Christanity other religions/groups?
Many religions/groups believe in:
Every person is their own god and can save themselves,
A person is saved by the works they perform.
Saved by just being a good person.
By devoting their life to a group and supporting only what the group belives in.
If a certain something isn't done a certain way, they can't be saved.
No-one can talk to god, but spirits, and we must communicate with god through them.
Christanity is the only religion where a person does not have to give 'anything' in
order to recive something. Salvation is gained by 'faith' and not works. All we must do is ask, and its ours.
4. I've lived a terrible past; I don't see how God could forgive me. I don't have a chance, do I?
God's Word says that 'anyone' who turns away from their life of sin and trusts in God's Son, Jesus Christ, to save them and take control of their life 'will' have eternal life (John 3:16).
EVERY PERSON HAS SINNED. Romans, chapter 3, verse 23 says "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...." That means everyone, including YOU and ME. Jesus Christ was the only one who ever lived or who ever will live who was sinless. If we went all our lives and only did one little sin, we would miss heaven!
JESUS CHRIST PAID FOR OUR SINS. Romans, chapter 5, verse 8 says "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." You see, we should have to pay for our sins by going to hell, but Jesus Christ, though sinless Himself, was willing to suffer a terrible death on a cross and pay for our sins, even though we don't deserve it. Now that's love! He arose from the grave three days later, and because He lives forever, we can live forever.
5. I have a hard time believing the Bible. Why should I believe it?
Let's say a certain "how to" book is published. It shoots to the top of the best-seller lists. Millions of people who read it are successful when they follow its instructions. Wouldn't you say that book is reliable? Sure you would! The BIBLE has been around for a long, long time. Millions upon millions of people have found its teachings, truths, and instructions to be reliable. Many have tried in vain to disprove and destroy it, yet it remains the best-seller of all time. It's true-- the Bible is reliable-- and you can believe it!
Thats pretty much it! If you have don't have any questions at all about what you read, etc.. then you have no need to read on! But! If you are still interested, have questions or curious please read on!
Choosing to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior is the single most important decision you will ever make in your life... Period!
Salvation is not something that can be earned. A gift is not a gift if you have to earn it. If I were giving you a gift, you have the right to accept it or reject it. God is very willing to GIVE salvation to you, but you have to ACCEPT it from him.
5. How can I be saved?
HERE'S HOW WE ACCEPT GOD'S GIFT OF SALVATION: Romans chapter 10, verses 9, 10 and 13 say "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is your LORD and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.... For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This simply means that a person who believes in God with all their heart, believes that Jesus Christ is the one and only perfect Son of God, turns from their sinful living, trusts Him to make them a Christian, and publicly proclaims that Jesus is their Lord will be saved. By "calling on the Lord" (praying to Him), He will save you.
You say, "I want to be saved, but I'm not sure what to say." O. K., let's summarize what we've talked about. To be saved, you must:
1) Know that God loves you and wants you to be saved;
2) Admit that you have sinned and need His forgiveness;
3) Know that there is nothing you can do to earn salvation yourself;
4) Believe in your heart that Jesus died for you and arose from the grave;
5) Be willing to repent (turn away from) your sins and ask Jesus to save you;
6) Publicly proclaim that Jesus is your Lord (Master) from this day forward.
Do you agree with these statements? If so, why not ask Him right now? Here is a sample prayer:
"Dear God, I can see how much you love me. Thank you for making it possible for me to be saved. I have sinned against you, and I am truly sorry. I believe with all my heart that Jesus died for me so that my sins could be forgiven. Right now I am turning from my sins and accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior and will proclaim Him as my Lord from this day forward. I am trusting you to save me simply because you said you would. Thank you for your gift of salvation. Please help me to grow as a new Christian. In Jesus' name I pray this prayer, A-men.
Is this what you want to say? If so, you can use this prayer, or just use your own words. You can say it out loud or say it in your heart. The important thing is that you mean it. Take a moment right now and pray to Him...
"O.K., so you have prayed and asked the Lord to forgive you and save you. You might ask, "How can I know for sure that He saved me?" Answer: Because He said said He would! Romans chapter 10, verse 13 says "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord WILL be saved." He didn't say "might" be saved, or "should" be saved; He said WILL. So, based on the Word of God, YOU ARE SAVED.
6. Things to know as a New Christian.
You are saved FOREVER. God is not an "indian giver" who may change his mind and take away your salvation. Jesus Christ himself said in John, chapter 10, verses 27 and 28 say, "My sheep (Christians) listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them ETERNAL LIFE (that means forever), and they shall NEVER perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." Notice that he didn't say "they shall never perish, unless they do something I don't like." The Word of God says we are saved forever. Isn't that great? In gratitude for this, we should yield our lives to Him every day and desire to please Him.
When you are saved, Jesus becomes your best friend. When you have good friends, you like to talk to them, don't you? That's the reason it's so important to talk to Jesus in prayer every day. He wants you to talk to Him about everything that's happening in your life, good or bad. When you have good friends, you want to get to know them well, don't you? That's the reason it's so important to read the Bible each day and go to a Bible-believing church to learn everything you can about Jesus. Yes, Jesus is your best friend, and He is able to help you in any situation.
On behalf of all fellow believers, want to welcome you to the family! =)