Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus is a figure unique in both history and theology. He is a man who lived some 2,000 years ago, but He is the only man who has ever lived a perfect life. He was fully man and also fully God.

The Bible teaches that Jesus was one with God at the creation of the universe and that He was instrumental in the work of God throughout history. Jesus is known as God's Son. The entire Bible talks about the fact that, at the exact time laid out in God's plan, Jesus would be born as a human baby to a mother whose pregnancy would be the result of God's unique intervention, and that His life—and His death—would have a special significance for us all.

Jesus lived his life of about 33 years in perfect relationship with God. During the final three years of His life he selected, taught and trained a special group of followers to preserve and spread His teaching. Then, in spite of the fact (or perhaps because of the fact) that He lived a life in perfect relationship with God, He was falsely accused and executed by the religious and governmental authorities of the day.

Although it sounds terrible at first glance, His execution is really Good News, because the Bible tells us that since He was God's Son and lived in perfect relationship with God, His death was the only death that could pay the penalty for OUR inability to keep God's Law. And, even greater, the Bible tells us that Jesus did not remain dead. He was miraculously restored to a new and complete life. In fact, the Bible tells us that, although Jesus no longer appears in the world in His physical form, He is with God in heaven and is still active as a spiritual presence in the world with whom we can have a personal relationship.

And, the best news of all is that by believing what the Bible says about Jesus, and trusting that His death paid the penalty for YOUR sins (your inability to keep God's Law) God forgives you for your sins. When you allow Him to do that, you will not only have a relationship with Jesus, with all the power and meaning that it provides, but when your life on earth is over, you will continue to have an active relationship with Jesus forever in Heaven.

You will find the story of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; the books of the Bible known as the Gospels, a word which means, of all things, "Good News!"

God's Plan for Your Life

Jesus wants to give you eternal life, today.

These are the biblical facts which make possible your personal relationship with God:

God loves you.
He created you and wants to have a personal relationship with you now on earth and eternally in heaven (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5).

Sin has separated you from God.
The Bible defines "sin" as choosing our will over God's. We have each made this mistake (Romans 3:23). Our sins have now separated us from our holy God, and He cannot allow us into his perfect heaven. Instead, we are each destined for an eternity separated from God in hell (Revelation 19:11-15).

You cannot repair your broken relationship with God.
Many people think we can be good or religious enough to earn God's forgiveness and go to heaven when we die. But the Bible teaches that the only payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:20). Someone must die for the sins we have committed.

Jesus died to pay the debt owed by your sins.
Since Jesus was sinless and owed no debt to God, His death could pay for our sins. He took our place on the cross and suffered the penalty we deserved. His death now makes it possible for a righteous God to forgive our sins and offer us salvation (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24).

You must receive the gift he died to give.
Now you must choose to trust in what Jesus has done for you rather than trusting in your own efforts to restore your relationship with God. In faith, rely completely on Jesus to make you right with God. Confess your sins and mistakes to God, and choose to live by God's word and will. Decide that you will make Jesus the Lord and Master of your life. (John 1:12)

How can you make this decision?
Through prayer you can meet Jesus today. There is no single prayer you must pray or magic formula needed to become a Christian. But the following words are one way to trust Christ as Lord. If you will pray them with the sincere commitment of your heart and life, you will meet Jesus personally and live for Him as your Lord.

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me. Thank you that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins and failures. I admit to you that I am a sinner, that I need you to save me. I ask you to forgive me for my sins. I turn from them now. I invite Jesus into my life as my Savior and Lord. I turn my life over to Him. I will live for Him as long as I live. Thank you for giving me eternal life and making me a child of God.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

If you prayed this prayer for the first time just now, please tell someone about your decision. The life of a Christian cannot be lived alone. Share your new faith with someone you trust and with a church where you can grow in your commitment to Christ. If we can support your faith, please call us at (254) 752-1655. We want to help you follow Jesus today.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to a minister, please call the Church Office at (254) 752-1655, or email us at churchstaff@cabcwaco.org.