 Many of the Christmas carols and Christmas cards that we enjoy year after year express the exciting truth about Christmas. And they remind me of this beautiful verse that speaks to us so clearly: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Does this really mean that God promises the gift of eternal life to everyone who believes in his son? Absolutely! Let’s look at a few more verses: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). “All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43). “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). His name is Jesus: Immanuel, Savior, Messiah, Christ, Redeemer, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Alpha and Omega, Bread of Life, Light of the World, Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace. So, if it’s true that God promises the gift of eternal life to everyone who believes in Jesus, the most important question ever asked in the history of the universe must be: what does it really mean to believe in Jesus? How can we believe in him in the way that promises eternal life? |
|
Remember the two men who were crucified with Jesus? One of them turned to him and said: “Lord, please remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). He not only believed that Jesus is the son of God, but he also called him Lord and then asked to be saved. And in response, Jesus said to him: “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).  Jesus speaks to us, too. He promises that if you’re willing to “seek me with all your heart, you will surely find me” (Jeremiah 29:13). The question is: are you willing to believe that Jesus is truly the son of God and, with all your heart, call him Lord and ask him to save you? If so, God’s promise of eternal life will be yours. Your salvation will be secure forever.Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). Therefore, “seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and have fellowship with them, and they with me” (Rev. 3:20). Have you ever opened that door and invited the Son of God into your life to be your Lord and Savior? Are you willing to trust Jesus with your life, now and forever? Pray out loud with all your heart: |
|
“Father in heaven, I confess that I’ve often turned away from you, and sinned against you in what I’ve said and done. I’m sorry, and I ask your forgiveness. Lord Jesus, I believe with all my heart that you are the Son of God, and that you died for me so my sins could be forgiven. And from this day on I want to trust you as my Savior and as the only Lord of my life. Lord Jesus, please save me. I open the door to my heart and life, and I ask you to come in and save me now. Help me to know you, and help me to grow in faith. Change me from the inside out by the power of your Holy Spirit. Show me how to live my life for you, so I can please you in what I say and do. Lord Jesus, draw close to me when I come to you in prayer, and when I read your Holy Bible. Thank you for dying for me, Lord. Thank you for making it possible for me to know that I belong to you, now and forever. Lord Jesus, I pray this in your precious and holy name. Amen.” |
|
Be encouraged! “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). “Your sins are forgiven you” (Mark 2:15). “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:50). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6) |
