Is Jesus a Religion? - Scroll down page
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JESUS: NOT A LIFE-IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Guest Author:
Greg Laurie discusses what each of us 'really longs for deep down inside'
Published: 04/26/2019
Prior to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, the oldest completed Hebrew manuscript of the Old Testament was dated to around A.D. 900. The Dead Sea Scroll of Isaiah is dated to 200 B.C., and when it was translated, it was found to have no major changes from the text we already have.
God gave the Scriptures to the Jewish people, and they painstakingly preserved those Scriptures. Now we have both the Old and the New Testament, which we call the Bible.
There are three ways you can look at the Bible: You may see it as a book filled with good ideas and moral lessons, just a general guide to life. Or, you might acknowledge the Bible is a book from God, but it was written by man. It may have contradictions, but it has a lot of good things to say. Or, you believe the Bible is the very word of God, inspired by God and indeed given to us by God, and it is total truth.
The last position is the one I hold. It’s also the position the apostle Paul held and the position the Bible itself holds. The Bible tells us, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).
Or, as another translation puts it, “God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it – no matter what” (verses 12–13 MSG).
According to the American Bible Society, approximately 87 percent of American homes have a Bible. Ironically, fewer than half of all American adults can name the four Gospels.
A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that 50 percent thought Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife.
Eighty-two percent of Americans believe that the statement “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. Not only is it not found in the Bible, but it isn’t a biblical statement.
Obviously, it’s great to read the Bible, but we need to read it with comprehension. The Bible uses the word “meditate” quite often, which has nothing to do with the Eastern version of meditation. The biblical meaning of meditation is to ponder and consider. When we meditate on Scripture, it’s something that will help us internalize it more deeply.
It is not enough to go through the word of God; the word of God needs to go through you. It is not how you mark your Bible; it’s how your Bible marks you. Let it impact your life.
If I were to choose one verse in the Bible that sums up the message contained therein, I would choose John 3:16: “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” (NKJV). That is the message of the Bible: God loves you.
Sooner or later we all get around to asking the big questions of life, such as “Why am I here?” and “What is the meaning of my life?” and “What happens after I die?” The Bible answers all those questions and more.
The Bible says that God created you. And God says that he loves you. He has a plan for you. Your life is not an accident; it has meaning and purpose.
Many people spend their lives chasing after things that don’t fill the hole inside them. Our lives are a lot like a puzzle. We think that if we put all the right pieces in place, then we will be fulfilled. If we graduate from college and get that career and marry that person and have that perfect number of kids, then we’ll have the perfect life and everything will be fine. But something is missing.
My wife is a puzzle person. One day she was finishing a puzzle, and there was one piece left. But she couldn’t find that final piece. We both were down on our hands and knees searching for that missing puzzle piece. Finally I found it.
That is how it is in life. We get all these things in place that we think will bring fulfillment, and we’re saying, “I can’t find the last piece of the puzzle.”
Meanwhile God is saying, “Hello! It’s right here. The missing piece of the puzzle is a relationship with me through my son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for your sin and rose from the dead. And if you will asked Jesus Christ to come into your life, your puzzle will be completed.”
That is what you’re searching for – not religion, not morality, not a material thing, not even a relationship. What you really long for deep down inside is a relationship with God. That is the meaning of life. And when you find Christ, you’ll find that meaning you’re searching for.
People don’t like to hear about the cross that Jesus died on, because when we look at the cross and how Christ suffered, it’s a reminder that we’re sinners. And that offends people. I’m sorry if it offends them, but it’s the truth.
God has dropped one lifeline from Heaven for us to get there, and it is Jesus Christ. He came to this earth on a rescue mission to forgive all our sin and reveal to us the meaning and purpose of life.
So don’t be afraid of the Bible. Don’t be afraid of Jesus. Run to him. He’s the one you’re searching for. He’s the one you’re longing for deep down inside. Jesus did not come to this earth to improve our lives. Jesus Christ came to this earth to save our lives. And he will do that for you if you will believe in him.
Source: http://www.wnd.com/2019/04/jesus-not-a-life-improvement-program/
Is Jesus a Religion?
(Or is Jesus a Personal Relationship we should pursue religiously?)
Is UntoMe is a ‘Religious’ website?
-by Dr. Gregory Pouls
During my life I tried religion, in various forms, numerous times. Religion never worked for me. I was ‘raised’ Catholic. I was even volunteered to be an ‘altar boy’ by my mother at age twelve, and I was ‘fired’ by Father Kelly at thirteen. For me, there was too many rules - I was promised, “when you find the truth it will set you free”. I never felt free with religion. I felt confined and silly- wearing robes and participating in a mass spoken in Latin, trying to learn about a God that made no sense to me. I knew more about ‘Casper the Ghost’ than the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit). I walked away from religion and went into the world.
Thirty years later, I was re-introduced to Jesus in a non-religious way. I was shown by a prophetic minister how to form a personal relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. My life has never been the same. My only regret is waiting so long to get to know Jesus personally - without religion.
If you never knew Jesus, or like me, walked away from religion, UntoMe would like to re-introduce you to the spirit of Jesus.
By ignoring God, people are doing themselves a great dis-service. There are many things to be learned about God, how God operates and how to effectively partner and co-create with God - all for improved outcomes in your life.
If you believe that Jesus is a religion, you are wrong. Jesus did not come to Earth to start a religion. I will prove it to you.
UntoMe offers you a ‘new’ introduction to Jesus (The Spirit)
Many people have ‘tried’ religion or church and have walked away. Some turn away from religion because they have been ‘hurt’ by their church (or people in the church). Some people feel judged and condemned by church and religion. Currently, many are pulling away from the ‘religious’ Jesus.
UntoMe wants to introduce you to the ‘spiritual’ Jesus, and explain why Jesus can not be a religion.
Let me explain the basic difference between religion(s) and Jesus of Nazareth:
There are twelve ‘major’ religions in the world: Christianity, Islam, Catholicism, Hinduism, Agnosticism, Buddhism, Atheism, Anglicanism, Sikhism, Seventh-Day Adventists, Latter Day Saint Movement (Mormonism), and Judaism.
https://www.newsmax.com/TheWire/most-popular-religions-sects-images/2014/05/01/id/569022/
For these twelve world religions, there are tens of thousands of different denominations (or versions) within these twelve. Within ‘Christianity’ alone, there are major differences in how each denomination interprets, practices, and experiences religious faith. Some propose that certain ‘Christian’ denominations do not represent the true teachings of Jesus Christ.
From the beginning of time on Earth, the first humans sinned and broke off right relationship with God (Genesis 3). Ever since, man, with all his logic, thinking and critical reasoning, has attempted to ‘get right’ with God again. This is why man founded religions, spiritual ‘paths’, religious cults, and ‘spiritual teachers and gurus appeared.
Religions are simply people trying to reach God or trying to create their own God. This is impossible, because the human mind cannot fully comprehend God. Many religions teach that by accomplishing ‘good works’ or obeying rules and ceremonies, humans can ‘get to God’ or please God.. Again, this is futile.
There are twelve major world religions (see above) that attempt to connect humans to God., such as Islam or Buddhism, however, none of these twelve EXCEPT ONE, can fix human sin.
Religion is usually about ‘your’ performance within the church/synagogue/temple/mosque. While most religions do offer teaching on how to become a ‘better person’, you will find that every major human-based religion ends up offering dogma, ceremonies, money given to uncertain destinations, human control and religious performance-based rewards.
Why do humans like religion?
Some people go to church simply to be seen ‘going to church’. For some its a social club, where being seen and participating makes them feel ‘good enough’.
Religions offer methods to become a ‘better person’, and many operate on the universal spiritual belief and ‘Golden Rule’ of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. This is all fine, however, religion does not and cannot offer forgiveness, Grace and eternal salvation. Some people believe that by spending a couple hours in a church, temple, synagogue or mosque per week somehow proves their devotion and makes them ‘right with God’. In the Christian religions, these are the very kinds of superficial relationships to which Jesus Himself, said, “I never knew you.”
Religions are ALL SIMILAR (except one) in that they are:
Founded by humans.
Run by humans.
Controlled by humans.
If you can find a church that teaches the words and teachings of Jesus and wants to assist you in forming a personal relationship with Jesus – you are blessed.
Most religions and ‘new age’ paths have human founders, and/or leaders who provide ‘their version’ of religion and attempt to act as a human guide. Many ‘Christian’ churches do not teach about the power and authority of Jesus, or the works of the ‘Holy Spirit’. These spiritual resources are available to all who believe in and put their faith in Jesus- and who form a personal relationship with Jesus. There is a big difference between ‘going to church’ and entering into a relationship with Jesus.
Almost ALL religions are ‘humans coming between man and God’.
THEN, THERE IS JESUS CHRIST.
Jesus can not be a religion. Why?
Religion is about human performance.
Religion involves humans getting between other humans and God.
Jesus NEVER planned to start a religion.
Jesus was against religion, and spoke out against the religious leaders of His day.
Jesus only ever offered a personal, one-on-one relationship with believers - who trust in His power and authoriity!
Jesus intends an ongoing personal relationship with every person - in ‘spirit and in truth’, and based on His spiritual power and authority.
A relationship with Jesus is based upon your faith and trust in what He can do,
Jesus Christ is not a religion. But we should pursue a personal relationship with Jesus religiously (constantly).
If you were taught Jesus Christ is a religion, you have been misinformed.
Jesus DID NOT come to Earth to start a religion. He came to help, to save, and ‘make things right’ between all humans and God. This was and still is the main mission of Jesus Christ. He wants to forgive your sin and make things right between you and God again, To do this, he wants to get to know you personally. He wants YOU TO INVEST YOUR TIME in getting to know him like a personal spiritual friend.
Jesus Christ is a One-on-One, Personal Relationship with God.
There is a very big difference between being a follower of religion and entering into a personal relationship. While numerous human-controlled Christian religions are based on Jesus, a PERSONAL, ONE-ON-ONE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS NOT RELIGION. It is a personal relationship with the only being who claimed to be both God and man, and proved this by performing miracles and completing His mission at the cross.
If you take the time to learn about Jesus, you will find:
Jesus cannot be a religion.
Anyone who has studied the words and acts of Jesus, knows He did not come to Earth to establish a religion. In fact, He called the religious leaders of His day “Vipers and snakes” (Matthew 23:33) and compared them to hypocrites (translation: actors). In Matthew 23:27, Jesus proclaims to the religious leaders, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Jesus was a radical, who the religious leaders (and others) had killed…. Because of his radical message of Love and the brotherhood of all men.
Tell me now- How can Jesus be a religion? Religion is all about ‘your’ performance.
The Jesus relationship is about trusting God and surrendering control of your life to an all-powerful, all-loving God. Big difference.
All God requires in return is your belief, trust and faith in Him. Your faith activates His goodness.
Jesus is a personal spiritual relationship that EVERY human should pursue ‘religiously’ - seeking, knocking and asking, and diligently following Jesus.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
Knowing Jesus is an opportunity for everyone to personally encounter God.
Jesus taught radical love. Jesus commanded that we all “love one another”, and that we all “love God with all of our heart, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.”
Once you have learned enough about Jesus and what He accomplished by coming to Earth, you will begin to understand the great magnitude of His accomplishments.
Once you understand His power and authority and the covenant partnership God offers to you and all humans, you will realize that this partnership is SO UNFAIR – in your favor!
NO RELIGION OFFERS WHAT JESUS CHRIST OFFERS: ETERNAL LIFE, FORGIVENESS AND UNLIMITED GRACE (and more!).
If you have ANY DOUBT, I suggest you take the time to review (at least) the twelve major religions and find out what they have to offer you. While most religions offer teaching on how to become a better person, you will find that every major human-based religion ends up offering dogma, ceremonies, human control and religious performance-based rewards.
Sadly, many people simply refuse to give up their pride, their ‘illusion of self-control’ over their own lives and surrender to the love, power and authority of Jesus Christ.
What will it take to convince you? Where else will you find such a (eternal) deal?
Which do you choose?
To live by your own power, authority and knowledge and following a religion that is based on your performance (placing and carrying the weight of your world on your own shoulders), or will you choose
To live in a dynamic, powerful co-creative relationship with the God of the Universe, having access to and living according to His power and authority? (placing the weight of your world at the feet of Jesus and allowing Him to care for you and be God in your life). It’s your choice.
What does God require from you?
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
A personal, spiritual relationship cannot be a religion.
With that said, how can UntoMe be a ‘religious’ website?
UntoMe is a spiritual resource for our community, teaching everyone about the Love and Grace of God, and how to ‘position’ yourself for more blessings by learning the many promises of God and by blessing our less-fortunate neighbors. UntoMe is about the power of God becoming active in your life and in our community.
I OFFER THIS CHALLENGE TO ALL READERS: If you can find any other religion, spiritual path or teacher that offers all that Jesus offers – please contact me. I want to know about it. I haven’t found any others that come close.
I pray that you come to know the saving Grace of Jesus Christ.
May His Love and Peace overwhelm you,
Dr. Gregory Pouls, Founder, UntoMe.org
JESUS: SON OF GOD, SON OF MAN
Would you like to learn WHY Jesus is called
“the way, the truth, the life.”
“King of kings, Lord of lords”
and His word proclaimed: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 NKJV
EVERYTHING in our physical reality operates under physical and spiritual laws. Laws are either rigid (un-bendable), or can be influenced by those with the greatest power and authority.
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18 NKJV
A personal relationship with Jesus is YOUR choice. God gave you free will. Choose well.
Learning the Truth About Jesus
WHY IS JESUS “THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE?”
Let’s begin by reviewing what the Holy Bible says about who Jesus was and is:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
· John 1:1 The Eternal Word
“And the Word became flesh [Jesus] and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
· John 1:14 The Word Becomes Flesh
Jesus said, in
John 12:45 : "And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me", and in
Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Why Was Jesus of Nazareth Sent by His Father in Heaven?
~500 years before Jesus of Nazareth was sent to Earth by His Father, the prophet Isaiah wrote prophetically about Jesus. In Luke 4, Jesus confirms this prophesy:
So He [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written (~500 years previous):
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-22 NKJV
Son of God/ Son of Man
The phrase “Son of Man” is a reference to Jesus' humanity, it is not a denial of His deity. By becoming a man, Jesus did not cease being God. The incarnation of Christ did not involve the subtraction of deity, but the addition of humanity. Jesus clearly claimed to be God on many occasions (Matthew 16:16,17; John 8:58; 10:30). But in addition to being divine, He was also human (see Philippians 2:6-8). He had two natures (divine and human) conjoined in one person.
This is My Beloved Son
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He[a] saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
The Lamb of God
The next day John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:29-34 New King James Version (NKJV)
No Other Name Under Heaven…
…”let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole [Jesus had miraculously healed a man]. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4: 10-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
For God So Loved the World
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 New King James Version (NKJV)
That We Might Become the Righteousness of God
For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21New King James Version (NKJV)
What Does God Expect from, and How Does God Reward Those Who Believe in His Son Jesus? Jesus Himself reminds us all:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24 NKJV
In the study of the nature of God, spiritual truth and the rational inquiry into spiritual questions, Jesus perfectly illustrates the will of God. Jesus show humans how life is to be lived, together with Him in His Father's Kingdom, now and forever.
Goals for this Life on Earth:
When you were born, God gave you three things:
The breath of life.
A seed of faith (you will need this to activate your faith-based relationship with Jesus). Your belief in and faith in Jesus and God is your 'access point' to their goodness, power and authority.
A void (empty place) in your heart (that can ONLY be permanently filled with Jesus). Humans unsuccessfully attempt to fill this void with worldly objects, money, false gods and idols, or sex, drugs and/or alcohol.
Take the time to:
Learn the truth about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit = The Blessed Trinity.
Learn that a relationship with Jesus is faith activated. Jesus will not enter into your life unless invited in. Your belief and faith in Him activates His goodness and blessings.
Study and compare religions. You will find that ONLY Jesus offers:
Salvation – everlasting life
Forgiveness from all sin (any thoughts, words or actions outside of the will of God.)
Grace: unearned/unmerited favor
Reconciliation with God the Father
“The Way, the Truth, and the Life”
The promise to NEVER leave you or forsake you
THE GREAT EXCHANGE
When any human honestly receives Jesus into their heart as their Lord and Savior, a 'great exchange' takes place. This process can be instantaneous or it can take the rest of your life. God requires that you take the first step and requests that you 'seek, knock and ask' to create personal relationship with Jesus - you in Him, Him in you. But first, in this 'great exchange', Jesus must prepare you.
Jesus takes your sin - you receive His righteousness.
Jesus takes your sin nature - you receive his divine nature.
Jesus takes our name (son of man) - we receive (power of attorney) the use of His name which carries all authority.
Jesus takes our poverty - we receive His prosperity. (via promises learned in His word)
On the cross, Jesus was forsaken as a son - we become sons of God (adopted heirs).
Jesus experienced rejection from the Father’s presence - we receive His fellowship and right-standing with the Father.
FACT: The 'Great Exchange' is COMPLETELY UNFAIR- IN YOUR FAVOR!
The great exchange is the greatest gift of grace that could possibly be given TO YOU by God.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 New King James Version (NKJV)
Study, learn and live the word of God. Get a Bible. Join a Bible study group. While the world mocks Jesus and the Bible, you will find it to be filled with knowledge, wisdom and revelation.
Create personal relationship with Jesus = You abide in Him, He abides in you.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:28-30 NKJV
Getting “Saved”- What Does This Mean?
You Can ‘Get Right’ with God – Right Now.
Would you like to be certain you are really “Born Again” and forever assured of your salvation? If you want to, you can settle it right now. This is between you and God.
Have you spent long enough in sin, guilt, fear, loneliness, and confusion?
The Holy Bible, God's written word, describes exactly how to begin a New Life with God. The LORD wants you in no doubt, and for you to be confident of your place in Heaven.
For He says:
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation
2 Corinthians 6:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
First realize: You are not alone - All Have Sinned
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23New King James Version (NKJV)
What does this mean? Of ourselves (our own personal power and authority) we can accomplish nothing of eternal significance. Trying to wash away our own sins is impossible. This would be like trying wash dishes clean in dirty water. You can go through the motions- and still end up ‘dirty’. These (eternally significant) changes that make us a ‘new creature’ require a higher power. This requires someone with the power and authority necessary to make significant and eternal changes. This is exactly why God the Father sent Jesus.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
Matthew 28:18-20New King James Version (NKJV)
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 New King James Version (NKJV)
UnderstandiNg God’s Gift
It is in the death and resurrection of Christ that we really see God’s love for the world. Jesus brought grace to the world via the cross. “Grace” is also defined as “undeserved favor.” The Bible tells us that Jesus gives us the gift of grace for free, and it is by His death that Jesus allows us to find the gift of salvation. How can you enjoy any gift or favor (deserved or undeserved) - unless you receive it?
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 New King James Version (NKJV)
God has promised:
That if thou shalt confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
The Holy Bible States:
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Becoming a Christian: Partnering with Jesus
What does it take to actually achieve salvation? The process is simple:
Step 1: Believe that God loves you and desires to have a relationship with you.
Step 2: Admit that you are a sinner and put your sin in your past. To 'repent' means to 'turn away' from your sin.
Step 3: Believe that Jesus died on a cross for your sins and to give you eternal life.
Step 4: Accept Jesus into your heart.
Step 5: Pray. If you do not know what to say at first, you can use this simple 'Salvation Prayer' below.
Step 6: Tell someone.
Romans 10:9-10 New King James Version (NKJV) States:
That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Prayer of Salvation
A Simple Salvation Prayer
Saying the actual words of the salvation prayer may feel awkward when you first make a decision to be a Christian. You're probably full of emotion and a little scared. Some people reach this point and stop, because they hear the voice of the enemy telling them, “you don’t deserve this”, or, “you aren’t good enough”, or, “remember all the sins and/or evil you have committed”, or you may hear thoughts of fear, doubt and disbelief (the tools of the enemy). Remember, NOBODY deserves salvation- it is a gift from God to you. You cannot earn salvation- Jesus had to die for you to be ‘saved’- this is God’s plan for our world. We ‘all fall short’, but God loves YOU so much he sent Jesus to die on the cross for you- so that you can be ‘saved’ and forgiven from all of your sins and evil doings and every thought, word and deed of yours that ‘fell short’ of the righteousness of God.
If you don't know what to say, that's okay. Just speak ‘your truth’ with conviction. Here is a sample prayer you can use to guide you:
Dear Father God in Heaven,
I come to you in the name of your Son, Jesus.
In my lifetime, I have not always lived for you, and I have sinned in ways I probably don't even know yet are sins. I need your forgiveness.
Jesus, I am eternally grateful for your sacrifice on the cross and how you died so I can have eternal life.
Father God, you say in your Word (Romans 10:9) that if ‘we confess the Lord our God with our mouth and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved’- and I know you cannot lie.
(Out loud) “Right now, I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved. Thank you, Jesus!”
Thank you, Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from myself, my past, my sins, my shame, my guilt, my regrets, my self-condemnation. Thank you that I can now begin a new life as a ‘new creature in Christ’ who makes ‘all things new’.
I thank you, Jesus, that your grace never leads me into temptation, but rather it always leads to repentance (turning away from sin). Lord Jesus, transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.
I put myself, my life and my future, in your hands. I pray that you work in my life and guide my steps so that I continue to live for you for the rest of this life.
In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
CONGRATULATIONS! If you are serious and continue to ‘seek, knock and ask’ for the truth and study God’s word and nature in the Holy Bible– your life will never be the same. Why? Because you can now take the ‘weight of the whole world’ off of your own shoulders and lay your troubles at the feet of Jesus- who has already conquered the devil and overcome this world- and who holds the whole world in the palm of His hand.
We were not designed to carry our problems any farther than the cross.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5: 5-7 NKJV
Next Steps for all believers: (Check with your pastor or church)
Water Baptism
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
How Believers Define “Success”
His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21 (NKJV)
You will find, as you draw close to Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit of God, that the ‘things of this world’ begin to have less meaning, significance and value to you; and the 'things of Heaven, God's Kingdom, and eternity in Heaven' will increase in significance. Remember, on Earth believers are "just passing through" on our way to eternity with Jesus.
Why does participating with UntoMe have ‘eternal consequences’? Read for yourself:
Matthew 25: 31-46
The Son of Man Will Judge the Nations
31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the [c]holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it Unto Me.’
41 “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
44 “Then they also will answer [d]Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Please don’t miss your opportunity to participate with UntoMe.org in answering the call of Jesus. The Giver is Blessed, The Receiver is Blessed, and God Gets the Glory!