No greater miracle has ever been recorded than the transformation that takes place at salvation, as a man’s rebellious heart is cleansed from all sin through repentance and reconciled to a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.
© 2003 by The Holy Bible All rights reserved.
Reprinted 2001
Revised 2003
I.S.B.N. # 1-881256-61-8
Published by: The Holy Bible
Much attention in today’s world is given to planning for tomorrow, and a great deal of importance is placed upon securing the future. Yet, many individuals never give any thought to life’s most important question regarding their eternal destiny.
Death is a certainty. Though it can be delayed at times by medical break- throughs and the latest in scientific tech- nology, in the end death is inescapable.
The Bible affirms the unquestionable real- ity of death, stating that every person will die once, adding, “and after that comes the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). This verse from Scripture recognizes that death is inevitable and confirms the promise of judgment for each individual following death.
What happens to an individual after death occurs? What judgment lies beyond the grave?
Much attention in today’s world is given to planning for tomorrow, and a great deal of importance is placed upon securing the future. Yet, many individuals never give any thought to life’s most important question regarding their eternal destiny.
Death is a certainty. Though it can be delayed at times by medical break- throughs and the latest in scientific tech- nology, in the end death is inescapable.
The Bible affirms the unquestionable real- ity of death, stating that every person will die once, adding, “and after that comes the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). This verse from Scripture recognizes that death is inevitable and confirms the promise of judgment for each individual following death.
What happens to an individual after death occurs? What judgment lies beyond the grave?
Throughout history man has enter- tained varied philosophies and ideas regarding the “after life.” Volumes have been written by those who sought for answers dealing with unknown issues relating to death. While these theories have come and gone, the Word of God remains, revealing the answers that man seeks to life’s most important question:
“Where will you spend eternity?”
No greater miracle has ever been recorded than the miraculous transforma- tion that takes place at salvation, as the rebellious heart of a penitent man is cleansed from all sin through repentance and reconciled to a right relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ, His Son. In only a moment’s time, a desper- ate individual can acknowledge his hope- less eternal state without God, and offer a prayer, crying out for God’s mercy and forgiveness from sin. As a man or woman repents, the greatest miracle available to mankind takes place as they are cleansed of all sin and born again.
Far greater than any physical phenom- enon, this kind of miracle takes place in the realm of the spirit, and deals with the eternal destiny of a person. The Bible records the words of Jesus when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). To spend eternity in God’s presence, a man must be
born again. It is not optional: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).
No greater miracle has ever been recorded than the miraculous transforma- tion that takes place at salvation, as the rebellious heart of a penitent man is cleansed from all sin through repentance and reconciled to a right relationship with God Almighty through Jesus Christ, His Son. In only a moment’s time, a desper- ate individual can acknowledge his hope- less eternal state without God, and offer a prayer, crying out for God’s mercy and forgiveness from sin. As a man or woman repents, the greatest miracle available to mankind takes place as they are cleansed of all sin and born again.
Far greater than any physical phenom- enon, this kind of miracle takes place in the realm of the spirit, and deals with the eternal destiny of a person. The Bible records the words of Jesus when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). To spend eternity in God’s presence, a man must be
born again. It is not optional: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7).
The priceless gift of salvation is freely available to every man, woman, and child who will repent of sin and believe on Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoev- er believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16–17)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sin- ners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
The Bible clearly states that all have sinned. That includes you, along with
every man, woman, boy, and girl who has ever lived.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23)
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
We are each guilty of sin and rebellion against God’s laws. That means we are liable for every transgression and wrong- doing, for all have sinned. When we sin against God and break His moral law, we are responsible and held eternally accountable.
No good deed or virtuous action can remove sin or change the condition of man’s heart. The one and only way we can escape eternal judgment for our sins and transgressions is to be born again as we repent of sin.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)
God’s Word states that the penalty or punishment for sin is death, meaning spiritual death or eternal separation from God. Because everyone has sinned, all are deserving of that punishment.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:16)
God is a loving God, whose love is perfect, holy, and unchanging. His unconditional love for mankind has never wavered but has always remained stead- fast.
It was man (Adam) who sinned against God and violated the loving rela- tionship that existed at creation. Through disobedience man turned his back on the relationship he had enjoyed with God and
walked away from the fellowship and communion he had once known. Even then God still loved mankind, and offered a way by which man could be reconciled back to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
To bridge the gap between God and man, Jesus humbled Himself and took the form of a man. He was fully God and fully man, and came to earth be a sinless substitute for the guilty.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sin- ners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)
After the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, sin separated man from a holy God. As a result of man’s disobedience,
he was deserving of “spiritual death” or eternal separation from God.
Through disobedience man chose to end his relationship with God. Yet, because God is not willing that any man perish eternally, He took the first step to restore the relationship, sending His only Son to be a sinless, innocent sacrifice so that man might be reconciled back to a right relationship with Him. Jesus Christ, the holy, righteous Son of God came to earth to die as a substitute for mankind.
He who was innocent came to freely offer His life for mankind who was guilty.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not will- ing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9)
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Jesus Christ was the only sinless man who ever lived and walked upon the earth. Because He was without sin, He was the perfect sacrifice. He willingly became our substitute and gave His life on the cross of Calvary, shedding His blood to atone for sin. He made it possi- ble for all mankind to be free from the penalty of sin, which is death or eternal separation from God.
There is no way possible to be saved from sin except by identifying yourself with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only way by which man can be saved, for He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)
“. . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“. . . Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (Rev. 1:5)
Salvation and forgiveness of sin is a gift from God Almighty. It is a priceless treasure that is freely available to all and can never come about through any good works or virtuous actions on the part of man. Because of God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrificial death on Calvary, you and I can experience the greatest miracle of all: sal- vation.
The Lord Jesus Christ chose to die in our place, shedding His blood and giving His life on behalf of sinful humanity.
Through Jesus Christ and His shed blood, we are forgiven, cleansed, redeemed, and justified.
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace.” (Eph. 1:7)
When we are justified through His shed blood, our sin is not simply par- doned or overlooked. A far greater mira- cle happens. Our sin is put away as if it had never existed, and we are pronounced innocent of all guilt.
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” (Rom. 5:8–10)
This wonderful gift of salvation is the result of God’s perfect love and grace toward man, allowing man to be viewed as innocent and reconciled to God and to enjoy the same kind of relationship with God that Adam knew in the Garden of Eden.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph. 2:8–9)
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal. 2:16)
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us . . .” (Titus 3:5)
“Come now, and let us reason togeth- er, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isa. 1:18)
The Word of God clearly states that this priceless gift of salvation is available to every man, woman, and child who will believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. That includes you.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoev- er believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
God loved you and everyone else in the entire world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that anyone who would believe in Him would not perish (or be separated from Him eternal- ly), but instead have everlasting life, living in His presence forever and ever.
Look at what God did:
1. God loved the world.
2. God gave His only Son.
The results of God’s actions:
1. That whosoever believes—anyone and everyone, including you
2. Will not perish—suffer eternal sep- aration and spiritual death
3. But will have everlasting life—liv- ing and abiding in God’s presence forever
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He
that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:17–18)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Cor. 5:17)
God loved you so much that He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, unconditionally to make a way of atonement for your sins. All you have to do is believe in Him, fol- lowing these steps:
1. Confess Your Sin
The Bible states that all have sinned. Take responsibility for your wrongdoing, your disobedience, your rebellion, and your sin. Don’t delay. Acknowledge that you have sinned and ask Jesus Christ to forgive you and cleanse you from all sin.
God’s Word promises that if we will con- fess our sins, He will not only forgive them, but will also cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
If we will do one thing: confess our sin, He promises to do two things: forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unright- eousness.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and for- saketh them shall have mercy.” (Prov. 28:13)
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto right- eousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom. 10:9–10)
2. Invite Him In
Pray sincerely, asking Jesus Christ to forgive and cleanse you from all sin. Stop going your own way, and invite Jesus Christ into your life today. Choose to make Him a part of everything you do.
God’s Word promises that when you open the door of your heart and life to Him, He will come in and fellowship with you. When you do these things, a miracle hap- pens: Jesus Christ becomes your Savior and you are born again.
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Rev. 3:20)
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom. 10:10)
3. The Miracle of Salvation
Salvation is promised to anyone who will confess with his or her mouth the
Lord Jesus, and believe in their heart that God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead. It is not enough to believe that Jesus lived and walked on earth. It was His death, burial, and resurrection from the grave that proved He was the Son of God and gave Him power and authority over sin and death.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that he was seen of above five hun- dred brethren at once.” (1 Cor. 15:1–6)
When the miracle of salvation takes place and an individual is born again, the Word of God declares that our sins are
not remembered against us. It is as if they never happened.
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” (Heb. 8:12)
4. Walk In His Ways
The transformation that occurs in the life of the man or woman who has repent- ed of sin and made Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of their life takes place within, yet the evidence of that transformation becomes apparent from the outside as well. As we learn to walk in His ways, many of the things that once were so important no longer matter. As you walk in His ways through daily obedience, you begin to love the things God loves and hate the things God hates.
“There is therefore now no condem- nation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” (Rom. 8:1)
“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.” (Eph. 5:2)
A New Beginning
The moment you are born again, an incredible new adventure begins.
Everything is new! Because you prayed sincerely, asking God to forgive and cleanse you from your sin, the Bible promises forgiveness from every wrongdo- ing you have ever committed. It’s like beginning a new life. Scripture declares that God will not remember the sins of yesterday against you. They are gone eternally, and it’s as if they never hap- pened.
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isa.
55:7)
“. . . the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psa. 103:12)
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12)
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbear- ance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” (Rom. 3:24–26)
Do you know what would happen to you if your heart stopped beating right now and you died before you could take your next breath?
The most important question you can ever ask concerns your eternal destiny.
Take a moment right now to ask yourself life’s most important question:
“Where will I spend eternity?”
If you are unsure, you can remove all doubt right now, and know with absolute certainty where you will spend eternity, by praying this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I want to have the assurance today that I will spend eternity with You. I’m tired of living for myself and going my own way. I’m tired of trusting in myself and in my own abili- ties. I want to trust in You starting today. I confess that I have broken Your laws. I have rebelled against You and done wrong against others. I know that I have sinned. I am sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me and cleanse me from all sin. Take away the guilt and make me pure and
clean in Your sight. Come into my heart and life today. Be my Lord and Savior.
Starting today I want to live a right- eous and holy life. From this moment on I will turn away from everything the Bible calls sin. Help me live in obedience and walk in Your ways everyday for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for cleansing my heart from sin and making me Your child. Amen.”
How Can I Know That I Have Been Born Again?
One who has been born again loves the things that God loves and hates the things that God hates. This is clearly out- lined in the Bible, the believer’s handbook for life. A true Christian will desire to obey God’s Word and follow what the Bible says. As you apply the principles of the Bible to your life, you will grow and mature as a Christian.
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:11–13)
“There is therefore now no condem- nation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:1)
Jesus said a true Christian can be identified by their fruits or actions (by the way they live their life).
“Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:16)
“But grow in grace, and in the knowl- edge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 3:18)
In order for your new relationship with Jesus Christ to mature and flourish, it is very important that you:
1. Read a portion of the Bible each day.
Begin with the gospel of John, found in the New Testament. Before you begin, ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you understand what you read so that you may know Him better, love Him more, and grow stronger in your walk with Him each day. Remember, it is important to understand what you read from God’s Word for it is the truth contained in His Word that will bring life to you and help you grow spiritually. Just as food in the natural is vital for your growth and strength, so the Word of God provides spiritual nourishment for you.
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow there- by,” (1 Pet. 2:2)
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law,” (Psa. 119:18)
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” (Psa. 119:11)
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eter- nal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
2. Spend some time praying and wor- shipping the Lord each day.
Prayer is talking sincerely and honestly with God. You develop a relationship with friends by spending time with them—talking to them, getting to know them.
Jesus Christ has become your eternal friend and you develop a relationship with Him by talking to Him in prayer. Make prayer a regular part of your day and get to know Him by spending quality time with Him just as you would a friend in the natural.
“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thess. 5:17–18)
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31)
3. Find a local church that teaches the Bible as the Word of God, one that will teach you how to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
As you attend church regularly and become acquainted with others who also love Jesus, you will be encouraged in your daily walk with the Lord Jesus Christ and will grow in the knowledge of His ways.
“Not forsaking the assembling of our- selves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25)
“Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psa. 92:13)
4. Tell others about your new relation- ship with Jesus Christ.
It is natural for us to talk about the good things that happen to us in life. You will have opportunities to tell your family and friends about what Jesus Christ has done in your life. Jesus once said to a new believer, “ . . . Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on the.” (Mark 5:19).
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Rom. 10:10)
5. Fellowship with friends who will help you grow as a Christian.
Spend time with friends who know and love the Lord Jesus Christ just as you
do. By spending time with friends who enjoy doing the things that honor God and His ways, your walk with the Savior will be strengthened. You will begin to understand and know Him better and in a more personal, intimate way.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with dark- ness?.” (2 Cor. 6:14)
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his command- ments.” (1 John 2:3)
Salvation is the greatest miracle that can ever take place in a person’s life. In only a moment’s time, the selfish, sinful heart of an individual can be cleansed from sin and miraculously transformed as that person repents of all sin and surren- ders everything to the Lord Jesus.
Once you have asked Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you
from unrighteousness, your life will never be the same because you are now a child of God with the assurance of an eternal home in heaven. Your eternal destiny has been changed forever!
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” (Rom. 8:16)
