The first thing I must do is acknowledge that I am a sinner and ask forgiveness for my sins! Why? Because “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23) The problem with this is, “…the wages of sin (what we have earned as a sinner) IS DEATH, but THE GIFT OF GOD is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) So, how do I receive this gift? “Repent (change your mind about how you have been living) therefore and be converted (born again), that your sins may be BLOTTED OUT, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19) Jesus is now knocking on the door of your heart, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and OPENS THE DOOR, I will COME IN TO HIM and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
What will happen now? “…by GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is THE GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) The Lord wants you to be saved NOW. “..Behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold NOW is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
-Bill Stockham