I Once Was Lost But Now Am Found

Wow! I can still remember that incredible day back in the spring of 1990 when I got that phone call from the state police! I wondered, “What in the world have I done?!” The policeman proceeded to tell me that … The 1965 Stingray Corvette that was stolen from me 17 years earlier had been recovered!! Initially, I was ecstatic and overjoyed. I even had my 15 minutes of fame with all of the news channels at my doorstep! The news media all asked me what it felt like to have my car lost for so long and then found! It was exciting to get behind the wheel again, but to be honest, my life had changed quite a bit over those last 17 years. In fact, my life had changed drastically! I was now happily married with 3 young sons. My empty pursuit of cars was no longer important to me. During those 17 years, I had been “born again,” coming to know Christ as my personal Savior. I had much greater concerns, and more important priorities now. Everyone has concerns—emotional, physical, political, and social. As important as these are, they pale in comparison to the importance of where you will spend eternity. What you believe will determine where you will spend eternity, not what you do. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36a). Eternal life through salvation is the work of God and not the work of man. Your good works, good intentions, and church affiliation are important, but do not determine your eternal destiny. Salvation is by grace (God’s unmerited favor) “through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). Salvation is also based on God’s love, “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16), and on the blood sacrifice of His Son, “and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22). Why not humble yourself and agree with God that you are a sinner, “For all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), that you deserve to die, “For the wages of sin is death,” and that salvation is a gift and cannot be earned. “But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12). He loves you so much and wants to transform your life and give you a home in Heaven. Won't you trust Christ, my friend?