We all make important decisions in this life. We decide where to live, what career to pursue, with whom we spend our lives, and more. But there is one decision we make which matters most both in this life and in eternity to come. What will we do with Jesus of Nazareth?
The Bible and other historical records make clear that a man lived around 2000 years ago whose person and teachings radically changed the world for the better. While alive, he claimed to be the Jewish Messiah, the anointed one that God had promised, who would bring in a kingdom of blessing for both Jew and Gentile. At the same time, he taught that he would voluntarily give up his life to ransom and redeem mankind. He was rejected by Israel and crucified by the Roman authorities. On the third day after his burial, however, his tomb was found empty and he was then seen by hundreds of people. His followers, who had been terrified at his death, were soon covering the known world, boldly proclaiming his resurrection and the hope that it offered to all those who would repent of their sin and trust in him for salvation. That man was Jesus of Nazareth.
He taught in his life, and his followers continue to teach today, that Jesus confronts every human being with a decision each of us must make about where we want to spend our futures. Will we follow the natural course of this life and then be condemned justly for our wrongdoings in an eternal lake of fire? Or, do we choose to enjoy blessed eternal life with God the Father in his heavenly kingdom? If you would choose the latter, Jesus Christ is willing to save you today!
- Recognize that, as a creation of God (Gen 1:27), you are accountable to Him (Rom 14:12). One day you will be judged for what you have done (Matt 12:32, Luke 11:29-32).
- Recognize that, in doing things you knew were wrong in your life, you sinned against your creator and justly incurred His wrath (Rom 1:18-32, Rom 3:23, Rom 6:23).
- Recognize that, because God is already worthy of all the good you might do (Luke 17:10), no good you might do in the future can work your way into righteousness (Gal 2:16).
- Repent (Matt 4:17, Acts 3:19)! This means turning away from your sins but more importantly turning away from yourself as the king over your own life and turning to God to be the lord of your life (Acts 26:20, Rom 10:9-10).
- Trust in Christ for salvation. Once you acknowledge that you are a sinner, it is a terrifying thought to approach God. Why would He forgive you? He will because Christ died in your place just as he said he would (Matt 20:28). He rose from the dead as proof that ransom was accepted. Thus Christ pointed to himself as the only means of salvation (John 14:6). All those who trust in him will have their sins forgiven (Rom 3:21-26, Rom 10:9-10).
Jesus said that when you who love him and obey him in this, both he and his Father will come and make their home with you (John 14:23). He is willing to meet you today, and will have prepared a place in eternity for you with him (John 14:1-4). And, if you really have repented and trusted in him, you should take steps to follow him. Find a church in which the Bible is taught, follow him in believer's baptism, and tell others about the wonderful salvation he has provided for you.
