Trust In Jesus
What does being saved or trusting in Jesus mean? Is anything required of you?
Being a person who grew up in the church, I was taught about sin and salvation. But it was head knowledge, not heart knowledge. Religion (have to’s), not relationship (want to’s).
They say the longest 18 inches is from your head to your heart. I understand this all too well. It was only by God’s grace that He opened my eyes and I comprehended the immense gift and sacrifice of Jesus. After that, I saw that I was responsible for my choices and recognized my need for forgiveness. Beforehand, I liked the idea of the Him being my Savior, being forgiven and going to heaven vs. hell, but it did not compel me to truly repent, turn from my sinful life path, and desire a life with Jesus as my Lord… my authority. I wanted to be Lord.
What led me to the point of repentance? God. He seeks us. The Bible says he leaves the 99 (Matt. 8:12), to find the one lost sheep.
The Lord sought me by sending messengers and teachers who shared the truth about Christianity in a way I had never heard it before. Their sharing struck a heart nerve. I tried to escape, but everywhere I turned… He was there, working through one of His people and the power of His Holy Spirit.
I reached a point where I could no longer hide, pretend, or act like I didn’t need Jesus. I had attempted to live my life without Him to no avail. Everything left me empty or more broken than when I started. After a few key moments in the privacy of my own home, I went to a play that clearly presented the Gospel. It was there I finally surrendered.
If you also sense you are being sought by Him, I’m so happy for you. What an exciting time! Please pay close attention to His nudges and realize what you are encountering is not by chance.
In addition, it is super important you understand exactly what the Gospel is, so I have solicited the help of The Billy Graham Association who presents it so clearly. You can also refer to our Statement of Faith which outlines the Gospel very well. These explanations overlap a bit, but are valuable in understanding what it means to be saved and have a relationship with Jesus.
1. OUR PROBLEM—SIN AND SEPARATION FROM GOD.
By nature, we are all separated from God. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). He is holy, but we are human and don’t measure up to His perfect standard. We are sinful, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
2. GOD’S PLAN — PEACE AND ETERNAL LIFE.
God loves you and wants you to experience the peace and life He offers. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
3. GOD’S REMEDY — THE CROSS.
God’s love bridges the separation between you and Him. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the grave, He paid the penalty for your sins. The Bible says, “He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
4. WHAT ABOUT THE TRUST PART?
Trusting in Jesus means you have accepted God’s solution for your human condition. Your relationship with Him has just begun. All you do from here, should be because He first loved you. Your life will be a response to His grace and mercy. Not a bunch of “have to’s” but a heart overflowing with “want to’s.”
When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. There is a lot to learn about this. But you have been given a helper who will provide conviction, guidance, and understanding of and through God’s Word, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.
Life will also not be trouble or temptation free (John 16:33). We are advised to count the cost as we choose to follow or be a disciple of Christ. Many Christians leave the faith because they do not understand the spiritual battle that comes with being a believer or they have misunderstood what is required of them.
It is important to understand that you and other Christians, will not be perfect. Only Jesus is perfect. Keep your eyes on Him. He will help you navigate and respond differently to struggles than you have in the past.
Also, remember that works do not save you, works are a product of your salvation. They are a response, not a payment for sin.
If you are at a place where you want to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can do that here and now. I admitted my need for Him at home in the privacy of my own heart, publicly at an altar call, and then through baptism. For now, you can simply pray, “Lord, I know I am a sinner and need a Savior. Please forgive me. I believe in You and that you died on the cross to pay the pay price for my sins and rose again on the third day defeating death which promises me (and all those who believe) eternal life. Please teach me to love and follow you. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you earnestly prayed this prayer today, and have made a decision to turn from a life of sin to follow Christ by faith, welcome to the family of God! I encourage you to find a good Bible teaching church in your area. May His love consume you.
Here are a few links that may be helpful:
Gospel believing Church search 1: https://www.9marks.org/church-search
Gospel believing Church search 2: https://founders.org/church-search/