About Me - And My Best Friend (concluded)

If you've come this far, you are probably feeling convicted of your sins. You recognise that you are in need of a Saviour. Well, if you are ready to turn from your sins and invite Jesus Christ into your heart and into your life, say a prayer which goes something like this:

"Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You and repent of my sins. I acknowledge that I am unrighteous and have done many wicked things which have separated me from God. I do not deserve Your love, or Your mercy. But I thank You that You have given these to me freely. I thank you that You died on the cross as a complete and final sacrifice to pay the penalty for all my sins, and rose again on the third day, that I might be set free from the bondage of sin. I open the door of my life to You right now. Please give me a new heart, Lord Jesus. Cleanse me from all my sins. I ask you to forgive me for every wrong thing I have ever done. I turn my back on sin utterly, and choose to serve You instead. You are now Lord of my life. As You freely gave Yourself on the Cross for me, so I now freely give myself to You in Your service. Thank You for setting me free from the power of sin and death, and for restoring me to a right relationship with God the Father and granting me eternal life. Amen"

If you prayed that prayer, sincerely repented and you truly believe that Jesus died, rose again and can put you right with God, then congratulations and Hallelujah! You're saved! Your name is now written in the Lamb's Book of Life! That means that when you die, you will go to Heaven and be with the One who saved you from the awful torments of Hell. You will one say walk on streets paved with gold and know wonders and glories beyond your present comprehension. But until then, you've got a life to live here on Earth, a life in which you now serve God instead of sin. So how do you start?

Well, a good way to begin your new life as a Christian is by reading the Word of God, the Bible. This will tell you how God wants you live your life. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12.

The best version of the Bible is the King James, or Authorised Version. All the Bible quotes in these pages have been taken from that. The AV, or KJV, is widely recognised by reputable scholars as the most faithful and accurate translation of God's Word there is. Because of its Elizabethan English, it may not be the easiest version to read, but you might be surprised at how straightforward and comprehensible many of the passages are. Modern Bible translations are well and good, and often easier to read. However, they are based on corrupted manuscripts and often water down or even remove key Bible verses! So be very careful of these. I must admit, I myself have used the Good News Bible for many years, but have recently found out that it too is based on corrupted manuscripts and changes or removes key Scriptures. "Bad News Bible" might be a better name for it. So I shall henceforth be basing my own personal Bible study much more closely on the KJV.

Prayer is another very important aspect of the saved Christian's life. It is how you communicate with God. Communication is essential to any relationship, and this is no less true in your new relationship with God. When you pray, you talk to God. You don't need to use a specific formula. Just talk to God like you would to anyone, though be sure to show proper reverence and respect. After all, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Start going to church, though be careful here. There are many churches, even so-called "Christian denominational" churches, which don't preach the true Gospel. If the church you go to does not preach repentance from sins and salvation through Christ alone , get out of it and find a church that does!