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Why Jesus had to die

What is salvation?

Too often, salvation is viewed by Evangelical Christians as the act of saying a prayer during which one confesses one's sins and pledges one's life to following Jesus as Lord. Though this is somewhat biblical, what is even more biblical is that God sees into the heart and this is where true salvation lies.

At the cross, one thief is promised entry into paradise, not by the words of a prayer, not by baptism (including baptism of the Holy Spirit, who was not yet in the world) but because in his heart, he knew that Jesus was who he said he was - the Son of Man, the Messiah, the Christ.

Do you realize who Jesus is? You've heard his claims. You've heard his teachings. Now you need to decide whether this man is insane, dishonest or the Son of God.

Jesus says that no one can come to the Father except through him. He tells us that he is seated at the right hand of the Father. He tells us he is going to come with the Glory of his Father and His angels and will judge us.

So is he insane? If so, how do we account for the love he showed others? The patience he showed others? The calm under pressure? The insightful teachings? Insane people do have a "God complex", but they also show other characteristics of insanity. Does Jesus show any of these characteristics?

So maybe he's a liar? Maybe he lied about being the Son of God? To what end - to die a torturous, painful, humiliating death on a cross? To die young? To live without the comforts of a permanent home? Liars are dishonest for personal gain. Jesus never did anything for himself, only for others - there was no personal gain in anything he did. Does it make sense that the greatest moral teacher of all time was a liar?

So the only other choice is that he is who he says he is - the Son of God. If you come to this same logical conclusion that millions before you have come to, then you should say the following prayer. But more importantly, you need to come into the fellowship of a Christian church family where you can grow to believe in Jesus not only in your head but in your heart...because that is where true salvation lies.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I know I have sinned against you by not believing you are who you said you are. I know the error of my ways and I ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for dying on the cross so my sins can be forgiven. Come into my heart. Come into my life. Today, I make you the Lord of my life. Praise to you, Lord Jesus, and thank you for bringing me back to you.

Amen

If you have decided to accept Jesus as your Lord today, please contact us at the email address below and we will pray for you as you begin your new life. And if you live in the area, please come and visit us at our worship service and let us know your experience so we can rejoice with you. God Bless!

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Why Jesus had to die

Send mail to david@TheArkNY.orgwith questions about the church or comments about this site.
Last modified: January 21, 2007