It’s Not Too Late!

No doubt many of us have wondered what could have been, what would have been, or what should have been. We dreamed dreams of success, recognition, happiness, and grandeur. And for some those dreams faded into the darkness of the night as hurts, disappointments, pain, and failures beat us into oblivion. We may have forgotten the feel of a touch, a warm embrace, the security of love, and a compassionate heart. So, we search in the wrong place and commit unthinkable acts. Afterwards, we ask ourselves, “Who will love me now? Who will want me now?” Well, I can tell you a story of a prostitute who helped saved lives thereby she received honor. I can tell you a story of an adulterous woman whose slate was wiped clean and given a new chance at life. I can tell you a story of a man who was blind but now he sees. I can tell you of another story of those who were hungry without food and drink but were fed out of goodness, mercy, kindness, and love. Even yet, I can tell you a story of a young man with big dreams and big plans who left home only to end up in poverty living in filth on the dirty streets but returned home into the loving arms of a forgiving father. These stories are real, true and have happened to many of us. But there is a gracious loving Father who wants to restore you and to bring you into His goodness of eternal salvation in spite of our sins, our past life, and our mistakes. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. God is merciful and loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for all the sins we commit—past, present, and future. Jesus died on the Cross to pay the penalty for our sins but He rose again and is now seated in Heaven. Now, He offers you a place in Heaven too if only you receive Him as your personal Savior and Lord and believe He is the Son of God. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s unconditional love is available to all no matter what you’ve done. Once you accept Jesus, there is no more condemnation, no more guilt, no more shame—only forgiveness, acceptance, mercy, kindness, and love. It is not too late to receive this new quality of life and to inherit the blessing of eternal life.  WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? Romans 10:9-11, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.’” Accept Jesus as Savior and Lord over your life. Believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead. Confess with your mouth to acknowledge your newfound acceptance and belief that Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead. Repent of all of your sins and turn away from all things that do not please God. As your relationship with Him grows, more will be revealed to you. If you desire this free gift of salvation for your place in eternity, then put your trust in Jesus today. Talk to God from the heart: here is an example prayer that you could use as a pattern: “Father God, I thank you for the free gift of salvation. I know I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I repent of all of my sins and the life I have lived. I need your forgiveness. I ask the Lord Jesus to come into my heart and save me. I know Jesus Christ died for me and rose from the grave so I could have eternal life. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Please Lord take control of my life. Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life. Amen.” If you have turned to God and put your trust in Jesus Christ you are now saved!  NEXT STEPS Find a good, Bible-believing Christian Church where you will be encouraged to follow Jesus Christ. Daily read your Bible and pray. Share the Good News with others.