"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me." --John 14:6
Legacy Baptist Church is committed to sharing the good news of God's salvation in Jesus Christ to lost souls. Please read and consider the following summation of God's plan for your eternal salvation. Should you still have questions regarding your standing before God, or, should you need further help in understanding this Bible presentation...please contact us in any fashion. We would love to assist you in this most important decision.
Every man needs salvation
You are a sinner.
The Bible tells us, “For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20), “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12).
The Bible is clear: all men are sinners. SIN is defined as anything we say, do, or even think that offends the character, nature, or law of God. If you have ever lied, cheated, stolen, wanted something that belonged to another, been angry, disobeyed your parents – you are a sinner.
It doesn’t take long to see that every man ever created is a sinner. There is not a man upon the earth who has not offended God’s character, nature, or law. And according to the Bible, “whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). If you have ever sinned, even one time, you are just as guilty as any other sinner in the eyes of God.
Your sin condemns you to an eternity of punishment in Hell.
The Bible tell us that “The wages [payment] of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23), and that “the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
Regardless of the good things you might have done, and regardless of whether or not you choose to believe in a literal Hell, the Bible is clear: Hell is real, and Hell is the divine and eternal punishment for sin.
The Bible says, “by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight” (Romans 3:20), and that “the scripture hath concluded all under sin” (Galatians 3:22). All men are sinners, and all sinners are condemned to the lake of fire. Nothing you can do can save you from the divine consequences of your sin.
BUT...
God has provided a way for you to be saved from Hell
Jesus Christ died to pay for your sins.
The Bible tells us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
God’s justice demands payment for every sin ever committed. But God loves his creation, mankind, so much that He chose to send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty on the cross that we could not pay ourselves. Jesus Christ purchased our sin debt with His blood on the cross, so that any man, and all men, who believe on Him will be pardoned from the penalty of their sin and have restored fellowship with God.
The Bible tells us, “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).
You cannot save yourself. You can never pay the debt of sin that you owe. But you don’t have to: Jesus Christ has already paid the debt! You simply need to accept the gift! The word of God says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8).
Jesus Christ rose again to give you eternal life.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ was “delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (Romans 4:25), and that “now is Christ risen from the dead” (I Corinthians 15:20).
The death of Jesus Christ secured the pardon of all who will believe on His name. The resurrection of Jesus Christ secured eternal life for those who believe on His name.
Salvation is received through repentance and faith in Christ alone.
Jesus Christ came preaching,“…repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus said, “He that believeth on him [Jesus Christ] is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). The great standard for salvation is "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).
What does it mean to repent & believe?
Belief is not simply acknowledging Christ’s existence. In fact, James 2:19 says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Even demons believe that Jesus Christ is God and that He died and rose again. Saving faith encompasses two realities:
1. Repentance – A change of mind about self, sin, and God that results in a turning from sin.
2. Faith – To believe on Jesus Christ means to accept as true what the Bible says about the Person and work of Jesus, to trust in Him, and to accept the gracious salvation He offers you.
If you recognize that you are a sinner in need of salvation from the penalty of your sin; if you believe that Jesus Christ died for you to pay that penalty and rose again to give you eternal life, would you accept the free gift of salvation by believing on Jesus Christ to be your Savior?
The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Would you call out to God today and acknowledge your sin before Him? Tell Him that you believe His word – that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. Tell Him that you accept His free gift of salvation which was purchased for you by His Son on the cross.
If you have believed on Jesus Christ today, your sins are forgiven and you have an eternal home in heaven! We would love to hear about your decision. Please contact our church though one of the provided opportunities. Take the time to tell us about your salvation. We desire to rejoice with you and to encourage you toward growing in your new Christian life!
If you still have questions, or need further explanation...you may find this video presentation of the gospel to be helpful. Beyond that, we most certainly encourage you to contact us so that we might interact with you regarding this most important decision.
"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." --John 3:16