WHY DOES GOD WANT TO SAVE US? 

1. So we can receive eternal life as a free gift. (Romans 6:23)
...the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord...

2. So we can live a full and meaningful life right now (John 10:10)
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

3. So we can spend eternity with Jesus in heaven (John 14:3)
I go and prepare a place for you... that where I am, there you may be also.

II. WHY DOES MAN NEED TO BE SAVED?

1. We are all sinners by nature and choice (Romans 3:23)
... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

2. We cannot save ourselves (Ephesians 2:9)
...by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works...

3. We deserve death and hell (Romans 6:23)
For the wages of sin is death...

God is holy and just and must punish sin, yet He loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

III. HOW DOES GOD ALLOW FOR MAN'S SALVATION?

1. Jesus is God, He put on flesh and became a man (John 1:1, John 1:14)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...

2. God allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 3:18)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit...

3. God raised Jesus from the dead. (Romans 4:25)
"...who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our
justification."

The only way Jesus can effect our lives is for us to receive him. The Bible says "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." (John 1:12)

IV. HOW MUST WE RESPOND TO GOD'S OFFER?

1. We must repent of our sins (Acts 3:19)
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out...

a. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for our sins (Acts 26:20)
b. Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God through Jesus (repent means to do an about face)

2. We must place our faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith..."

Faith is not just believing facts about Jesus (James 2:19) Faith is trusting Jesus!

3. We must surrender to Jesus as Lord of our lives. Romans 10:9-10 says that "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Surrendering is not just saying we give our lives to Jesus (Matt. 7:21) Surrendering is giving Jesus total control of your life

As evidence of giving Jesus control we will want to identify with Him. The New Testament way is to confess Jesus publicly and to follow Him in baptism and church membership.

-- Does what you have been reading make sense to you?
-- Is there any reason why you would not be willing to receive God's gift of eternal life?
-- Are you willing to turn from your sin and place your faith in Jesus right now?

REMEMBER, ALL YOU NEED TO DO TO RECEIVE JESUS IS...

1. Repent of your sin.
2. Place your faith in Jesus.
3. Surrender you life to Jesus as Lord

WOULD YOU PRAY THIS PRAYER?

"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe in my heart that Jesus  is your one and only Son.  I believe that He died for my sins, was buried, and raised from the grave on the third day. I confess that there is nothing I can do to save myself. And now Jesus I invite you to come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, cleanse me from all unrighteousness- and be my Lord and my Savior.  Help me to allow you to live your life in me, always and forever, AMEN!"

Congratulations!
If you prayed that prayer, and meant it with all your heart, then you are now a part of God's wonderful family. Let me encourage you to find a solid, Bible believing church where you can go,  receive support, and grow in your relationship to the Lord.