Becoming a Christian is the most incredible event that will ever take place in your life. You have found peace with your Creator. You have found everlasting life! Be assured--God will never leave you nor forsake you. He has brought you this far and He will complete the wonderful work He has begun in you. God knows your every thought, your every care and your deepest concerns.
Let's now look at some of those possible concerns. First, and of primary concern -- do you have "assurance" of your salvation? The Bible says to "give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10), so, let's go through a short "checklist" to make sure that you are truly saved:
* Are you aware that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14, KJV), and that he died for the sins of the world?* Did you come to the Savior because you had sinned?
* Did you "repent" and put your faith in Jesus?
* Are you convinced that He suffered and died on the Cross and that He rose again on the third day?
God acquits us from the Courtroom of Eternal Justice on the grounds that Jesus Christ paid our fine. We are "justified" (made right with God) by His suffering death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was God's seal of approval of the fact that His precious blood was sufficient to pay the fine.
Think of it this way... You have violated the law and face a $50,000 fine. You tell the judge that you are truly sorry for your crime, but he answers, "So you should be -- you have broken the law! Now, can you pay this fine?" He can only acquit you if the fine is paid. If someone else pays your fine, then he can let you go, but he must have "grounds" on which to release you.
The reason we need a substitute (a savior) to pay our moral "fine," is because we have broken God's Law. To see how much we have transgressed this Law (the Ten Commandments), we will go through some of them -- Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen something? Have you ever lusted after another person?
If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you admit that you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart, and you have to face God on Judgment Day! If you have used His name in vain, then you are guilty of "blasphemy" -- you've substituted God's holy Name for a curse word. Perhaps you've hated someone, then the Bible says that you are a murderer. You have violated God's holy Law, and you're in BIG trouble. On Judgment Day, you will be found guilty and end up in Hell.
That's why you need the Savior and His Amazing Grace. Merely being sorry for your sins, or confessing them to God won't help you. You must turn from sin (repent), and your faith must be in Jesus Christ alone. He is the only "grounds" for God to grant mercy towards you. If you're not sure of your salvation, make Psalm 51 your own prayer.
Let's now look at some more important principles that can save you a great deal of pain...
Check out 10 Principles for New Christians
To deepen this relationship and to know Christ
better:
* Be Baptized (outward sign of an inward change).
* Read your Bible daily and obey His Word.
* Talk to God in prayer continually.
* Get plugged into a good Bible-based church.
(How to
Find a Good Church)
* Worship, fellowship, and serve where Christ is
preached.
* As Christ's representative in a needy world, please
go and tell others about your new life by your love and
concern for others.
Calvary Chapel is a very good Bible-based
church
and we recommend them. Find a
Calvary Chapel Church
The Way of the Master (a Ministry of Living
Waters) is a very good resource and we recommend
them. (www.WayOfTheMaster.com)
For more information on Calvary Chapel and the Way of
the Master check out: www.CalvaryChapelFreeGift.com
Kirk Cameron at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale with
Pastor Bob Coy: G5208 - "Hell's Best Kept Secret"
(Real Media)
Have you watched or listened to the following messages? We would
love to know your opinion of these teachings. Send
us an E-Mail
"Hell's Best Kept Secret"
Why do 80-90% of those making a decision for Christ
fall away from the faith? What is the principle that
Spurgeon, Wesley, Whitefield, and our Master Jesus,
used to reach the lost? Why has the Church neglected
it? Don't let anything stop you from listening to
this incredible teaching.
"True and False Conversion"
This teaching is foundational, and goes hand in hand
with Hell's Best Kept Secret. It is very important that
you understand it, as it will have great bearing on how
you spend your time, and how you share the principles
of God's Word. If you have ever wondered why so much of
the Church looks and acts just like the world, you will
love this teaching.