Salvation. That is a word we hear alot of. Also "saved", "reborn", "born again", and "grace". What does it all mean?

To understand any of the above terms, let's first talk about why Jesus came to Earth. The bible says: John 10:10 .....I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Now I don't know about you, but I am alive, aren't you? So what does it mean when the bible says that we will have life...and have it more abudently?

The answer to this begins back at the Garden of Eden. This is where Adam and Eve were in harmony and fellowship with God on a daily basis. God only asked one thing; not to touch of the tree of Knowledge. In Genesis 2:17 God says: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. God gave Adam and Eve instructions for life. He even warned them what would happen if they didn't follow. God gives us instructions and warnings today to. He speaks to us through the bible. He gives us instructions for life. How often do you read them?

Now Adam and Eve were happy until they were tempted by the great deciever - satan. You see satan has a habit of trying to get your desires going. He wants you to think there is always something better out there for you. Just as he tempted Eve with the fruit, he also tries to tempt us and turn us from what God says. What is it you are after in life that you think is better than God's way? Are you being tempted?

Well as the deception goes, Adam and Eve go on to partake of the fruit of the forbidden tree. Satan, the serpeant, outright lies to Eve and says: Genesis 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die. Now God had said they WOULD surely die. Surely Eve would remember God's words. But she did not. Eve had taken her eyes off God because they were too full of want, desire, and pseudo need. So she ate of the fruit. Then then she offered some to Adam and he ate of it also. He didn't stop to think of the consequences. He followed another instead of God. What about you? Are you following in someone's footsteps without stopping to ask why? Have you stopped and asked God what He would want you to to with your life?

Well now they both had eaten of the fruit and who do you think should happen by? Yup. God did! And did Adam and Eve come out running joyously to their master after they had sinned (disobeyed God)? Uh uh. No way. They hid. When they heard God's voice, Genesis 3:8 says: ....and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. They were ashamed. They suddenly had realized what they had done and they tried to hide from God. Now that seems pretty silly because you cannot hide from God. He sees and knows everything. But because of their past, they did. What about you? Are you hiding from God because of your past?

Now since the time of Adam and Eve, God and his creation no longer fellowshipped in a way that was such in the begining. When God said that Adam and Eve would surely die, it was a spiritual death he spoke of. Adam and Eve sinned - they disobeyed God. The bible says Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Because of what they did, man died a spiritual death. No longer did he have the beautiful relationship with God that he had once had. There was a gap between God and sinful man. And that gap needed to be bridged. Not forceably by God, but willingly by man. God offered a way for man to come back to Him. Through Jesus:

There is no need to hide anymore. There is no need to run from God in fear. There is no need to feel ashamed because you think you have done something that no one would understand. The bible says: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. That word "all" covers everyone. We all fall short of the glory of God. That is why we need Jesus. How do we turn to Jesus?

The bible says in Romans 10:9 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. Ephesians 2:8-9 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. So you see grace is a free gift. A gift for us that we only need to accept. Jesus died for all of us not because we deserved God's love, but because God loved us. John 3:16 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.

What about you? What are you believing in? Temptation? Lies? Want? Others? If you have never come to Christ, let today be the day. God's word promises: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Let your past be just that - the past. Let it be washed pure through Jesus. God will not force you to come to Him. Nobody can make that decision for you. It is your decision and yours alone. What will you decide? If you would like Jesus in your life, all you need to do is pray a simple prayer like the one below. You can pray to yourself quietly, you can get down on your knees and pray out loud. Don't wait to make this decision. Decide now. Romans 10:9 said that if you could confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you would be saved. If you can say that you truly believe - won't you pray this prayer with me now:

Father, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I know that I have walked astray, but I ask that you now direct me. Jesus I ask that you come into my heart and make me whole. Show me your love, and your strength. Lead me O God. In Christ Jesus name, Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer right now and you meant it with all your heart, know that Jesus has heard you and that from this moment on you are a new person in Christ Jesus. You have a place with Him in heaven!!!! *HUG* Welcome to the family of Christ!

Were your sins forgiven?
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Are you a new person in Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Did God really hear your prayer?
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

If you just prayed and asked God into your heart, please e-mail me and share with me that I may rejoice with you in your decision e-mail.

If you could not pray that prayer just now, I encourage you to pray the following:

Father, I am not sure what I believe and don't know where to turn. In a leap of faith I am turning to you just now. I ask that you work within my life, begining right now, and reveal yourself and your truth to me. Let my eyes be opened, and my heart be willing, to know you and know for sure of your love and need in my life. Father I pray that everywhere I turn, I am reminded of your love. I pray that within the next couple of weeks I will come to know you like I have never thought possible. God, hear my prayer. In Christ Jesus name - Amen.

*hug* to you for giving God a chance to work in your life!!!!! Please let me know how He works in your life!!!!!!!