Can I really know Christ?

"All people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." - (Romans 3:23)

The answer is yes! There are a lot of words used in our world to describe what knowing Jesus means. People might ask you (Are you born again?) (Have you repented of your sins?) (Have you been saved?) Wow! It can be real confusing and sometimes scary. Our goal is to share with you in the simplest terms who Jesus is and what knowing Him can mean for your life. Let's start at the beginning...

Born Again? How can a person be Born Again?

While talking with Nicodemus, Jesus declared, (I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again) John 3:3.

Jesus was not speaking about being born again physically, He meant a spiritual rebirth. When we came into this world we were born of the flesh, like our parents. All people are descendants of Adam and Eve who sinned in the garden of Eden. Because of their sin we are born with the same sinful, lustful nature which desires the things of this world more than the things of God.

We are all sinners because we disobey God's laws as written in the Holy Bible. We may try to do what is right but within ourselves we cannot succeed. The spirit of Satan influences us to disobey God. When we give in to Satan and he causes us to sin, we have guilt, anger, greed, hatred, pride, jealousy and bitterness. This is often a source of unhappiness as we disappoint ourselves and hurt other people. Many times this is the root cause of depression and an unfulfilled life. This becomes a cycle in our lives, seeking happiness and finding none. Sin destroys us and leads to destruction in an eternal Hell.

We must be born of the Spirit and take on the Spirit or nature of God, then we are truly born again. We get there through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to Repent?

Jesus came to call us to repentance for our sins. God's Word says, "All people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." - (Romans 3:23)

When you repent, you turn from going away from God, to going toward God where you seek to do His will and not your own. When you repent you make a 180 degree turn. Some people say that it is like the difference between going North and South.

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." John 10:10, 11. Jesus wants you to have a life of peace. Peace comes from allowing Jesus to live within our hearts. Disobedience to the Word of God destroys this peaceful, full life that Jesus provided for us. Sin separates us from the presence of God.

John 3:15-18 says, "That everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of Gods one and only Son."

Hell is the "reward" for people who do not believe in Jesus; Heaven is the reward for those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Yet, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world but to save the world.

Saved from what? Jesus wants to save you from your sinful nature, from your own choices, and from death. You can be saved if you pray and confess and repent of your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9, John 3:16)

How do I pray for Salvation?

The most important thing to remember about prayer is to be sincere. Prayer is a form of conversation. Just like you speak to someone you love and trust, you speak to God the same way. God loves you and He wants to have a relationship with you. To begin that new relationship, you must come to Him with an open heart and admit that you need Him.

You don't have to be afraid; He already knows who you are. Believe it or not, He's been expecting you. If you're not sure how to begin, here is a prayer that can get you started.

Prayer of Salvation. Dear Lord, I acknowledge that you, Jesus, are the Son of God. I believe that you died on the cross, that your blood was shed for my sins and that you arose from the grave and conquered death. I understand that I was born a sinner and that I have sinned by disobeying your commandments. I ask you to forgive me for these sins. Please change my heart to be like yours-loving and full of forgiveness. Help me to obey your teachings as recorded in the Bible. Bring people who can help me on this new path. Be my Savior. Be my Lord. Thank you for saving me from death and giving me new life, Amen.

This is your first step to life as God intended--Free!

New Christian?

If you have just given your life to Christ on this website, we are honoured and excited about your decision and your future! We will be praying for you.

We would love to hear from you. Please share it with us here.

Reach out and share your experience with a friend or someone you know who needs to hear the good news about Jesus.

What Now?

When you pray and ask Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior, get "saved" or are "born again," you take the first step on the Way of Salvation.

Salvation is not merely a one-time experience. It is an experience which places you on the Christian faith journey - the Way of Salvation. Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is your first step on the trip. As you read your Bible you will grow spiritually. God speaks to you through His word. Find some good Christian people to associate with. Begin to attend a Bible believing church. Learn how to witness to others telling them about your new relationship with Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is not getting into Heaven; that is the reward. The goal is to continually become more like Jesus Christ and for your personal relationship with Him to grow deeper.

It is important to spend time reading the Bible. The Bible feeds the spirit inside of you and will give you the strength to grow in your new faith. I suggest that you begin in the New Testament with the book of John.

You can listen to the Bible and you can also read from the Bible. Click here to read or listen to the book of John now.

Dr. F. J. May has excellent teachings on the book of John and has made his teachings available to anyone who cares to listen or read them. You can find this material online in Faith Library. Click here.