"I was very idealistic and wanted to do my part, in some small way, to make the world a better place for the sake of humanity.  I fought for truth and for what I thought was right in everything I did.  I loved to debate with anyone about anything, and I often pondered the deeper things in life, always asking why.  As I observed life and the world around me, I became convinced that God either did not exist or was not all the wonderful things that some people claimed.

I was extremely frustrated with the many so-called religious people I met, all of whom I considered to be hypocrites, and so I remained content with the theory of evolution and happy with my views.  I became antagonistic toward religious matters and was quite persuasive in arguing the logic behind my beliefs.

I met a Christian named Mark where I worked.  At first, I avoided Mark because I thought he was a religious fanatic, and I had already made my own conclusions about religious people.  In even mundane conversations, he always brought things back to God and the Bible, which I found quite annoying.  After getting to know Mark, I realized that he was genuine and different from the other religious people I had known.  Here, then, was my opportunity to learn something about religion.  This led me on a personal search for knowledge that lasted for a year and a half.

I attended a regular Bible study and personally read and studied the Bible, analyzing its claims.  I also read other literature and compared the doctrines of many religions.  I even studied archaeological findings.  I was fascinated at how different the Bible was from what I had expected and how reliable, truthful, and accurate it was.  I soon saw that there was a real likelihood that God did exist, the He had created the world and man, and the He had revealed Himself to us in the Bible.  I also realized the theory of evolution was just a myth and could easily be disproved.  It took more faith to believe in the absence of God than the in the Creator.

As I continued to study, I discovered that, from God's perspective, we are all sinners, and although I was uncomfortable with the idea, I too was a sinner in need of forgiveness.  I especially examined Jesus' final proof that He was Messiah—His resurrection.  Again, I studied a wide range of material.  I subjected all that I examined to strict tests of evidence.  I had to be convinced.  It had to be proven to me!  Then one day Mark challenged me, saying that I had already gathered enough evidence and that it was time to make a decision.  He was right.  The next day, I again worked through all that I had been taught and read, and, after weighing all the evidence, the conclusion was clear:  Jesus of Nazareth was God's sacrifice to pay the penalty for my sins.  He is the Lamb of God.  The certainty of His resurrection assures me of the certainty of His offer to forgive my sins and give me eternal life.

On that October day, I got down on my knees and asked Jesus to forgive me and become my personal Lord and Savior.  Now that I am walking with the Lord, I understand the meaning of life and see the world in a much clearer and more definite way.  I no longer ask why.  Things that once puzzled me have become obvious, and I have a greater compassion for others.  I believe that anyone who approaches God with an open mind will see the truth in God's revelation; history has proven this.  True Christianity is not a blind leap in the dark but a trusting, heartfelt acceptance of the historical facts about the Messiah.  Although I do not deserve it, I am in God's family, where all are welcome."
Craig Hartman, Long Island, NY

How do we take advantage of this?  Salvation isn't ours until we accept that gift.  Here's how:

I John 1:9 — "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Romans 10:9 — "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Romans 6:23 — "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Have you accepted this gift?  If you haven't, then consider these Scriptures:

Romans 3:10 — "There is no one righteous, not even one."  Nobody escapes hell on his or her own merits.

Romans 3:23 — "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  None of us is worthy of heaven.

Romans 5:8 — "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life."  God knew you long before you were born and loved you so much that His son, Jesus, came to save us from our sins by paying the sin penalty for us, which is death.
 

So how do you receive God's gift of forgiveness and salvation?
 

1.  Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2.  Be willing to turn from your sins (stop harmful activities in your life — repent). 3.  Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. 4.  Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit (receive Him as Lord and Savior).   If you can earnestly and truthfully pray the following prayer, you will be saved:

Are you on the right road?

 
"Jesus, I believe I am a sinner.  I believe you are the Savior and the Lord.  I believe that you love me enough to die for my sins.  I confess ALL of my sins to you.  I desire to begin a new life with you.  I accept your gift of salvation.  I accept your love for me, and your direction of my life.  Amen."

If you've sincerely prayed that prayer and accepted that free gift of salvation, then please tell a Christian friend, family member, or pastor as soon as possible.  Ask the Lord to bring godly counselors into your life to answer your questions and help you grow spiritually, remembering that God's Holy Word is the final authority.  Nourish your faith by attending a Bible-believing church nearby, fellowshipping with other believers, and reading the Holy Bible.

Why read the Bible?  It contains the mind of God, the state of humankind, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.  Its doctrines are Holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.  It's the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.  Christ is its grand subject.  It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.  Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.

If you wish, we would love to hear about your salvation experience.  Send us an email.

Click here to read the salvation message in over 100 languages!
 

Below are some additional links to help you!

Still unsure?  Click here for more information.  God bless you.
 
 

MORE QUESTIONS?  HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL LINKS:

Answers to Hard Questions about Christianity and Jesus

Answers to Hard Questions about Evolution and Science

Experiencing The Power to Change

Church Finder (find a church in your area)

More Christian Links
 
 
 

Estimated population (growth) by 2011: World: 7 billion USA: 310 million