Who is my most favorite person in the entire universe? If you haven't guessed yet, his name is Jesus. Why? I'll explain. He was born in Bethelehem almost 2000 years ago, but he has been around since before the universe was created. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. -- John 1:1; And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. -- John 1:4 At age seven I realized I was (and still am) a sinner. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God -- Romans 3:23; As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one. -- Romans 3:10 And I became aware that sin has a penalty. For the wages of sin is death; -- Romans 6:23a But I thank God he gave us the way to salvation. but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -- Romans 6:23b God sent his son, Jesus, to die in my place. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -- John 3:16 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me." -- John 14:6 So, all I had to do was say, "Lord, save me." Right? Nope. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- Matthew 7:21; I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. -- Luke 13:3; I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. -- Luke 13:5 He said it twice, almost in the same breath. Convinced of my need for a Saviour, I surrendered my life to Jesus (repentance), and asked Him to save me. And I know he saved me, because he said he would. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. -- Romans 10:9. Some may say that repentance is works, but repentance is just acknowledging Jesus as Lord. Which is something everyone will do eventually, either now, or in the hearafter when it's eternally too late. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -- Philippians 2:10,11 Concerning works. For by grace are ye 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; Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. -- Titus 3:5a; For if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. -- Galatians 2:21 In conclusion, Jesus is my favorite person in the whole universe because he died, was buried, and rose again to give me a life with Him here on earth and eventually in heaven, and now I can pursue a personal friendship with Him. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- John 15:13. He gave everything he had for me, and you. What a friend we have in Jesus!
If you want a true friend who will never let you down, I urge you to turn your life over to Jesus and ask him to save you. It's a decision I know you will never regret. If you pray a prayer similar to the one below, and mean it in your heart, you'll forever have a friend to lean on.
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge, that I'm a sinner, and that I cannot save myself. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I'm willing to turn from my sin, and make you the Lord of my life. Save me now I pray, and help me to live a life pleasing to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, I just want to say, "Thank you." I look forward to seeing you in heaven. The thing to do now is to cultivate a close daily relationship with Jesus. You can do this by prayer (for everything - Jesus is a friend who wants to help you in every area of your life) and reading the Bible. Jesus will reveil His purpose for your life to the extent you allow Him to do His will through you. To this end it is essential to live a Holy life. You'll find that with everything God asks us to do, He promises something in return. If you feel comfortable telling me of your decision, I'd sure like to know I have a new brother or sister who I can look forward to seeing in Heaven. And if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them to your satisfaction.
If you didn't pray that prayer, but feel you needed to, God says I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. -- Deuteronomy 30:19. I pray right now that you will choose a life of blessing led by God.