God created everything, including people, with a purpose. His earthly Kingdom was meant to be a place of life, peace, and joy under His loving rule. Humans had an intimate relationship with God, and, for a short time, everything was perfect. They lived in complete innocence and peace in an incredible world made by God.

Humanity rebelled against God’s authority. This rebellion is called “sin,” and it put the whole earth under God’s curse (“The wages of sin is death” ROMANS 6:23). But even after our rebellion, God was still tender towards us, clothing us and helping us — God still had a plan to restore his Creation, including us humans.

God said “There can be no forgiveness of sins without the shedding of blood.” So, God sent his son Jesus to become a sacrifice — to die in our place to pay the price for human rebellion with His own blood. Jesus was God’s plan to remove the stain of sin on humanity and to give people the opportunity to restore their relationship with God.

Jesus is described as a “man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” Even though he was God in the flesh, he was fully human. He brought the Kingdom of Heaven to earth, but didn’t use His power to dominate us while living among us. Instead, he treated us kindly, healed the sick, raised people from the dead, and shared the good news of God’s forgiveness plan, calling us to repent of our sins.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross paid for our sins, and His resurrection defeated the power of death. His sacrifice brings total forgiveness of sin, and His resurrection brings eternal life to any person who 1. humbles themselves before Jesus, 2. confesses their sins (repents), and 3. believes that Jesus is King of both the universe and of their life. Those who refuse to accept Jesus’ authority are refusing His gift of eternal life.

A heart that truly follows Jesus leads to a life that’s truly changed. When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive the empowering of His Holy Spirit. By surrendering to Jesus as King and following Him, we produce “good fruit” in our life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Over 500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus alive after His resurrection. His disciples saw Him ascend into heaven. He lives today and will return from heaven soon as the Judge. Each one of those who have died and those who are still alive when Jesus returns to earth will be judged for their thoughts, words, and actions. Those who have rejected Jesus’ authority will face eternal separation from Him in hell, and those who have put their faith in Jesus will enter His fully restored eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, God is restoring what human rebellion ruined. Jesus loves us and stands ready to forgive anyone who accepts Him in repentance and faith. However, those who turn away from Jesus remain under God’s judgment. What will you decide? To repent and bow to Jesus’ authority, accepting Him as Lord and Savior and surrendering to Him as King? Or to ignore God’s call to repentance and obedience? The Bible says not to wait, but that “the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

To accept the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life, we recommend that you pray a prayer like this: “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and that my sin separates me from you. I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died on the cross for my sins, and that you rose from the dead. I accept you as my Lord and Savior and surrender to you as my King. I turn away from my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I commit to following you and living my life for you from this day forward. Thank you for your love and for the gift of eternal life. Teach me your ways as I live to follow you. In your name, Jesus, Amen.”

If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and surrendered to Jesus as King, we recommend that you get a Bible and read it regularly. If you’ve never read the Bible, you might like to start with The Concise Bible. Find a Bible-teaching church near you and plug into that community. They can help you grow in your faith. Continue to pray, talking to Jesus about your questions, problems, and needs. Ask Him for guidance and thank Him for His blessings. Welcome to the family of God!