How to know Jesus

If you were to die today, and were to meet God, and he should ask you why He should let you into His heaven, what would you say?

Uncertain? Let us share some good news with you. Here are 5 important truths that tell you the answer to that question…

Truth #1: Heaven, (eternal life) is a free gift—based on God’s grace. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23

Heaven cannot be earned or deserved.

"For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace refers to what God wants to give you which you do not deserve. Amazing, but true—God wants you to go to heaven—eternal life is a free gift! The second truth tells why many do not have this gift.

Truth #2: Man in himself does not deserve the gift of heaven. Why? Because man is a sinner by nature and by choice. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23

Man is incapable of doing good according to God’s standards.

"…there is no one who does good, no, not one." - Romans 3:12

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet offends in one point, he is guilty of all." - James 2:10

Man cannot save himself.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us." - Titus 3:5

The result of this sin is found in the third truth…

Truth #3: There is a penalty for sin. God is love—He doesn’t want to judge you. "The Lord…is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but that all should come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9

But God is also just—He must judge sin.

"He will by no means clear the guilty." - Exodus 34:7

"The wages of sin is death." - Romans 6:23

This refers to physical death and also spiritual death (separation from God). Man’s basic needs are: forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life. He tries religion, good deeds, materialism, acclaim, etc., to satisfy his needs, but these do not solve the problem of sin. God is love. He has the solution! The fourth truth tells us how God has the only solution.

Truth #4: Jesus Christ is your only way to heaven. Who is He? The infinite God-man. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God…and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." - John 1:1,14

What did He do? He paid the penalty for our sins, and purchased a place in heaven for us.

"God showed His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

"Christ suffered once for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." - 1 Peter 3:18

"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me." - John 14:6

What must you do?

Truth #5: Personal faith in Jesus Christ is the answer! Faith is not merely mentally believing a fact. "You believe that there is one God and you do well, but the demons also believe and tremble!" - James 2:19

Many people agree that Jesus Christ lived and died, and some even agree to the fact of His resurrection. But, they have not turned from their own, personal sin, and trusted Him. Faith is repenting and turning from your own, personal sins and trusting Jesus Christ alone for your eternal salvation.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we may be saved!" - Acts 4:12

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." - John 1:12

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved!" - Acts 16:31

The Bible says…

"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." - Romans 10:13

Now the question for you is, can you think of any reason why you wouldn’t like to invite Jesus Christ into your life right now?

Here is a suggested prayer that may express the desire of your heart:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of eternal life. I know I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died for my sins and rose again from the dead. I am sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me, Jesus, and give me the strength not to repeat those sins again. I now put my complete trust in you alone for eternal life. Thank you for saving me. Jesus, I love you!

Please pray this prayer now—and now that you are saved, please go to the section of this website titled Now that you love Jesus. It will give you important information on what to do now that you have Jesus Christ in your life. Also, please e-mail us at "prayer@wagnerministries.org". to let us know of your new decision, the best decision you could ever make, so that we here at WAGNER MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL can begin praying for you and your new friendship with God. Bless you!"