Abide

God created the world and all it contains (Genesis 1:1). He also created man and woman too (Genesis 1:26). The first man’s name was Adam and his wife was Eve. Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in much the same way we walk and talk with our friends. God placed them in a beautiful garden, and told them they could eat from any tree in the garden except one. One day, a serpent deceived the woman into eating from the forbidden tree. She ate its fruit and so did her husband. The man and woman were kicked out of the gardened and were cursed with death. This was the first sin (Genesis 2:15-17, Genesis 3:2-7).

Ever since that time, every person that has ever lived has sinned (Romans 3:23). Like the first man and woman, the punishment for our sin is death. The problem is that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. No good deeds or religious acts can ever make up for sin. The only acceptable payment is death (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9).

God knowing that the penalty for sin is death knew someone had to die. God became flesh and lived on the earth as the man Jesus (John 1:1, John 1:9, John 1:14). Jesus performed many miracles and taught many people about God and the Kingdom of God. Toward the end of Jesus’ time on Earth, he died on a cross to satisfy the penalty for sin (Romans 5:6-8). He was then buried in a tomb. Three days later, he rose from the dead. He then appeared to many people before he descended back into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

The Bible says that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. This means that you admit that you have sin and have faith that Jesus can save you from your sin. If you truly believe that Jesus can save you from your sin, then you’re a Christian! (John 3:16, Romans 10:9, Mark 1:15) Generally, people pray something like this:

God, I admit I am sinner. I know I cannot do it on my own but I believe that Jesus can and will save me from my sin. I repent of my sins! Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness and save me! I surrender to you because you are Lord. Help me to know you more and be more like you each and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We have Christ’s word that he will never leave us or forsake us. We also know that once God has started a good work in you, he will see it through to completion. In other words, your salvation is permanent and there is nothing you can do to lose it. (Philippians 1:3-6, Hebrews 13:5-6, John 10:27-30) This is not a license to sin…rather quite the opposite! Because of the great love God has for us, we should love him, and we love by obeying his commandments. (Romans 6:15-18,  1 John 4:19, John 14:15)

Salvation is just the beginning of the restored relationship with God! Christians are called to abide in Christ, and they do this by drawing close to him. You can do this by talking through prayer and hearing from God by studying the Bible. Jesus also called Christians to be in fellowship with other believers so we can be encouraged, learn from one another, and help fulfill the functions of the church. The resources on this site are designed to help enrich your Christian life, but they are no replacement for a Christian fellowship. Find a church that teaches the Bible and have fellowship with other believers there!