When Did You Become A Christian?―Think About It!

When people are asked why they think they will go to Heaven someday, a multitude of answers are given. All these reasons fit in one of two categories: WORKS and GRACE.

According to the Bible, there is only ONE WAY to Heaven. The Bible proclaims that you can "know that you have eternal life" (1John 5:13).

KNOW THAT GRACE IS FREE GIFT

"For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).

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

There are many things that people are trusting in to get themselves to Heaven:

• Religious Works (baptism, church membership, communion, etc.)
• Social Works (loving others, helping others, etc. )

While  all of these things  have their place, the Bible does not teach they will get a person to Heaven. One cannot earn Heaven. Heaven is given as a gift. Salvation is by grace alone. Grace is getting something we do not deserve.

KNOW THAT YOU DESERVE JUDGMENT

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (Jas. 2:10).

The Bible teaches that all have sinned and that no body is born on their way to Heaven. All are born on their way to Hell and eternal judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). You would not go through cancer treatment unless you knew that you had cancer. Similarly, a person does not seek a Savior until they realize their lost spiritual condition. No one can measure up to a holy God. God must punish sin so we are hopelessly lost without His grace. We are all born "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1).

KNOW WHAT GOD DID FOR YOU

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

God chose to punish His Son on the cross rather than punish you. God is love and does not want anyone to go to Hell (2Pet. 3:9). However, He is also just and must deal with your sin problem. He did that on Calvary's cross. That's love! That's grace!

KNOW THAT JESUS PAID IT ALL

"For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2Cor. 5:21).

"For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14).

Jesus became sin for you. He died in your place. As the perfect God/Man, He completely satisfied God's righteous demands to punish sin. When Jesus cried "It is finish" on the cross, He had finished and completed the work of salvation. His gift of eternal life is now ready for your response.

KNOW THAT YOU MUST RECEIVE HIS GIFT

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24).

Faith isn't mere head-knowledge. Faith is...

• Believing something is true
• Being persuaded that it is true for you
• Placing your confidence in it

According to the Bible, you must place your confidence in Jesus, by faith, and ask Him to be your personal Savior from sin. Have you been saved the Bible way? You can pray right now and receive God's gift of eternal life and pass from death into life.

• Repent of your sins―Agree with God about your lost condition.
• Believe―Place your confidence in what Jesus did for you on the cross.
• Pray―Ask Jesus to save you. He will and will begin a new life in you.

Did you believe on Him―that is, did you receive Him and trust Him alone for salvation? Then He says you have eternal life!

GET GROWING!

• Read your Bible and obey it (start with the Gospel of John).
• Pray―talk to God everyday. He is your friend and wants you to be close.
• Attend Sunday School and Church―not all churches believe and/or preach the whole Bible. Go to one that does.
• Be baptize―there are no baptized infants in the Bible. Baptism does not save. After salvation, you should publicly profess your faith in Jesus Christ by being immersed in water baptism.

From a tract published by: Publish or Perish Printing Ministry, 13340 Rene Street, Gulfport, MS 39503 USA