As you follow TGL and read the Book of Romans, you will learn more and more about who Jesus is, why he lived and died, and what it means to follow Him. Being a Christian is more than just attending church or belonging to a certain family. It's a relationship where the Living God becomes real to you and you respond to Jesus and his teaching with your whole life. Here is what the Book of Romans says about God’s free gift of eternal life that is available to us through Jesus and how we can receive it.
God is the Creator of Life. Romans 1:20-21. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
We Need Salvation.
- Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”
- Romans 3:10. “There is no one righteous; not even one.”
The Penalty of Sin. Romans 6:23a. “For the wages of sin is death . . . .”
God’s Plan of Salvation. Romans 5:8. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s Promise of Eternal Life. Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Believe in Your Heart.
- Romans 10:9-10. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is 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 profess your faith and are saved.
- Romans 10:13. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Results of Salvation.
- Romans 8:1. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- Romans 5:1. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
What Now? If you would like to receive salvation and begin a relationship with Jesus, then you can pray to God right now. Admit that you have sinned and ask for forgiveness. Confess that Jesus took the punishment that you deserved. Place your trust in Jesus for salvation. There are no magical words. The words of the prayer won’t save you; only faith in Jesus can provide salvation. If you are not regularly attending a local church, then you should start doing so.
Finding a Church. Finding the right church can be a difficult process. Enter is prayerfully. There are no solo Christians. Christianity is lived out in a community of believers. Look for a place that will teach you to do what Jesus did and to live out what the Bible teaches. If you live in the St. Louis area, you’re welcome to try the church that I attend with my family, CityLights Church. CityLights is part of a small network of churches.
