What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
Being saved means accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, receiving forgiveness for your sins, and gaining the promise of eternal life in Heaven. It is the most important decision you will ever make—one that determines where you will spend eternity.
The Bible makes it abundantly clear: "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" (John 3:16).
Why Do We Need to Be Saved?
Every person on earth is a sinner. We have all fallen short of God's perfect standard. Romans 3:23 states: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin separates us from God, and the consequence of sin is spiritual death and eternal separation from Him.
But God, in His infinite love and mercy, provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 tells us: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The Only Way to Heaven
Jesus made it absolutely clear that He is the only way to salvation. In John 14:6, He declared: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
This is not a matter of opinion or preference—it is the unchanging truth of God's Word. No amount of good works, religious rituals, or moral living can earn us a place in Heaven. Salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms this: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
How to Receive Salvation
If you have never before asked Jesus to save you, now is the time to do so. It is a simple step, but a vital one. Simply say this prayer out loud, from your heart:
Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God and You died for me. Please come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior and forgive me of all my sins and take control of every area of my life from this moment on. Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and use me for Your glory. I want to serve You and love You all the days of my life. Thank You, Father, that I am now Your child, in Jesus' holy name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer sincerely, you are now a child of God! Your sins are forgiven, and you have the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
What Happens Next?
After receiving salvation, your spiritual journey has just begun. Here are important steps to grow in your faith:
- Read the Bible daily – Start with the New Testament, particularly the Gospels of John and Luke. God's Word will guide and strengthen you.
- Pray regularly – Prayer is your direct line of communication with God. Talk to Him about everything in your life.
- Find a Bible-believing church – Fellowship with other believers will encourage and support you in your faith.
- Share your faith – Tell others about what Jesus has done for you. Jesus commanded us to spread the Good News.
- Live for Christ – Let your life be a testimony of God's transforming power. Seek to please Him in all you do.
Messages on Faith and Salvation
The following articles were written by George Hagen to help others understand and embrace the Christian faith.
Two Men Who Died in 1899
By George Hagen
Dr. David Jeremiah shared an interesting illustration about two famous men who died in 1899. One was an unbeliever who spent his life attacking the Bible and the Christian faith. Robert Ingersoll was famous as a lecturer on immortality, for which a Harvard University lecture series was named. His death devastated his family. When death came, it left his family with no hope. What is more amazing about Ingersoll is that he lectured on immortality and yet didn't know how Christ would make this possible for him.
In contrast, evangelist Dwight L. Moody died the same year. Instead of despair, his family celebrated since he had been in poor health. On his deathbed, at his last moments, he exclaimed, "Earth is receding, Heaven is opening, and God is calling." His family told him he was dreaming, but he said it was no dream: "I have been within the gates and saw the children."
Christians who believe in an afterlife in Heaven should not worry about a departed loved one—that is, if they know that he or she will spend eternity with God.
Robert Ingersoll could have been saved even on his deathbed. But he apparently died in ignorance. Although a learned man, he was ignorant of the real meanings in the Bible, having spent his time maligning it and Christ rather than making them a part of his life.
It is possible to be saved by Christ at any time, as long as there is breath and a mind still functioning. Remember the man, a murderer, on a cross beside Jesus? Just before he died, he realized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Jesus then told him that he would be in Paradise with Him. Even on a deathbed—I cannot imagine anyone closer to death than this man dying on the cross. And this man didn't even have time to ask for forgiveness, as far as we are told. Therefore, we have to conclude that Jesus will forgive anyone at any time.
However, it would be taking a big chance to wait until our dying hours to come to Him. Many people die without ever being on a deathbed; they simply collapse from a stroke or are killed in an accident. We never know when our last day will be, so we should not wait even an hour to come to the Lord as our Savior.
Joy in Living: How to Have Joy in Your Life
By George Hagen
My life has been mostly a joy, and at times I have wondered why. I knew I didn't deserve it, but it was accepted with thanks to God. Even in the corporate world, where I was responsible for the fortunes of over 2,000 people, their families, and our shareholders, I found joy and excitement in my job. We made our company a "fun place to work" while seriously pursuing business.
After retiring from the public company, I had time to reflect and plan my future. I also gave some thought to my whole life. I began to wonder why I did not feel a strong emotion when a tragedy happened to a person I knew.
But after I found Christ, I began to think about others and to feel some of what they were going through. My wife Anita and I started to support ministries that were offering help in tragic situations. Although I did not immediately realize it, the way I viewed the lives of others had changed. People and their lives began to mean more to me.
Why do some find joy in living and others do not? The Bible tells us that life is not supposed to be trouble-free and that there will be trials. But our Lord promises that He will be with us to give strength to bear them. Most, if not all, of the great people of the Bible went through more than you would think they could stand. The fact that they did not lose faith made them great. God wants us to be happy, but He does not promise uninterrupted happiness.
Can those of other faiths, or those of no faith, experience joy in living? My answer is yes, as I went through periods in my life this way. In my forties, for reasons I thought valid, I suddenly no longer believed there was a God in Heaven. For a few years, it seemed better for me to believe that everything had evolved in some way without God. Later, just as suddenly, I began anew to look at our wonderful world and the universe as too perfect to have been created by chance.
In 2004, I came to Jesus as my Lord and Savior after reading the book "Heaven Is So Real." Then I thought about the risk I had taken all my life in not knowing Him, and I shuddered and thanked God for not taking my life. So while there was joy in my life, it was through ignorance of the penalty that could have been.
Another requirement to experience joy is contentment. This is the opposite of envy. The Apostle Paul had troubles and trials almost beyond comprehension, but he said he was always content with whatever was his lot.
So joy does not come with wealth, power, or achievement. It comes as a byproduct of contentment. Finally, joy comes with the knowledge that this earth is just a training ground for eternal life with our Lord. How could we ever have more genuine joy than to know where we will spend eternity? So our purpose is to praise the Lord as our Savior and to help others know Him. With this, we have real joy.
When You Find Us Gone
January 24, 2010 — By George Hagen
Please read this carefully!
Please don't assume that this is just another rant about end times. This is for real, and I know it will take place soon! Print this message and put it where you can find it later.
When you realize that Mom and I are no longer here, you will then know for sure that what has been said and written about end times is true! We have prayed many times that you will come with us, and we hope you do, but this is just in case. We have been so blessed with a wonderful family who made our life very happy. We pray that we will be together forever.
When we are gone and you find yourself still here, you must act in order to have a chance of being with our Lord in Heaven. Being the good persons that you are is wonderful, but it alone will not give you a place with our Lord. You can still make this happen, but you must act!
First, you need to remember or relearn how to be saved. The way is in the Bible in John 14:6—Jesus said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Its meaning could not be clearer! Unless you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will not be in Heaven.
You will have to endure the Great Tribulation that will begin shortly after we leave. At first, it will seem not bad, or that things are getting better. But in time, things get terribly worse. "Endure" is the correct word, as there will be trials beyond your imagination. Satan will do all he can to take as many with him to live in hell forever. He will even try to make you believe that he is god, but don't believe this. You must resist him, and above all, do not take his number "666."
To avoid the terrible Tribulation, take the steps to Salvation shown above—NOW!
Thirty Days to Live
January 14, 2010 — By George Hagen
I once wrote an article titled "If This Were the Last Day of Your Life on Earth"—as it could be—what would you say to others today? What message would you want to give to your loved ones, to your friends, and to others who have crossed your path? We hope that everyone lives a long and healthy life, but the fact is, most people will not know when their last day will come.
After I leave this earth, it will be too late to say something that might have made a difference in someone's life and afterlife. Opportunities have been missed to tell someone what they need to hear about their faith.
Jesus commanded His disciples and then everyone to spread His Word. The best present we could ever give to another is the gift of faith in Jesus Christ. Knowing Him and believing He is our Lord and Savior is the only path to Heaven.
Christian author Mark Mittelberg suggests this experiment: Why not live as if this were your last month on earth? In what practical ways would this change how you engage with people about God? With each tick of the clock, a moment of your life is behind you. Our days are numbered, and each one that passes is gone forever! When we seriously regard our time on earth as a limited resource, this has incredible power to liberate us.
Will All Christians Make It to Heaven?
January 3, 2010 — By George Hagen
What do you believe about Jesus Christ? You might be shocked to know that less than half of those who call themselves Christians believe this statement: "Jesus Christ did not commit sins during His time on earth." This is based on a survey by the Barna Group, March 27, 2009.
No one should judge another, but questions do arise. Have these people who call themselves Christians ever read the Bible? It is clear in the Bible that Christ never sinned. Also, Jesus was proved the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15, 7:26; Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:14)
Also unfortunately, about 25% do not agree that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches. Further, over half of American Christians do not believe that Satan or the Holy Spirit exists. They believe that these entities are mere symbols of evil and good, but are not living beings. They do not realize that these entities are operating in their lives all the time.
If we don't know the truth about Satan, we do not cast him out of our lives regularly. We blame God for our troubles, or we blame others. Satan is totally evil and will do anything to break up marriages and cause Christians to ignore God. In great contrast, the Holy Spirit is with those who believe and is a tremendous help.
Today, the most severe punishment we could possibly receive is to be separated from God. We need God in our lives, and we need Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Otherwise, we will end up knocking on Heaven's door, greeted by Jesus who will say, "I don't know you." I pray that those who do not have Jesus in their lives will wake up before it is too late.
Don't Be Afraid to Talk About Faith
November 28, 2009 — By George Hagen
Pollster George Gallup reports that 8 of 10 Americans say that religion is at least fairly important in their lives. Even among people who do not go to church, 20% read the Bible, and 7 out of 10 pray at least weekly. The chances are good that if you bring up the subject of God or going to church, most people are willing to discuss it.
In the many times I have asked a stranger if Jesus is important in their lives, more than half say He is. A few say it is not something they want to talk about. Some say they know about Jesus and don't want to hear more.
According to Lee Strobel, bestselling author, people are intrigued by spiritual matters. Books about God, both pro and con, pepper the bestseller lists. When Time Magazine put a picture of Jesus on a cover a few years back, that issue became their bestseller for the year.
Now more than ever, it is socially permissible to get into conversations about faith—if we do it sensibly and with concern for the other person. In case you are reluctant to talk about your faith, please remember that Christians are charged by Christ to spread the good Word about Him. You should also keep in mind that there may not be forever to do this. No one knows what day will be his or her last. Don't wait!
Is the World Coming to an End?
November 14, 2009 — By George Hagen
We hear on TV and read daily of catastrophic happenings all over the world. An earthquake takes place every day somewhere, and some are severe, causing massive destruction. Hurricanes and tornadoes continue to take their toll on lives and property. Terrorist attacks and crime are on the increase in many parts of the world. Wars and uprisings kill an untold number of people and displace even more. Rogue nations are developing atomic weapons capable of destroying civilization.
So what are we to think? Does this terrible trend of events signal the end of civilization as we know it? If so, shouldn't we just "eat, drink, and be merry" and enjoy the end as best we can? That is the advice of those who do not know the Word of God.
Scriptures tell us what will really happen. Yes, the world will be partially destroyed sometime in the future, but it will be rebuilt by God in new glory. Meanwhile, the Lord will take His faithful ones up into Heaven before the worst occurs. Then there will be seven years known as "The Great Tribulation" where Satan rules. People left behind can still make it to Heaven if they refuse to pledge their souls to Satan by taking his forbidden number "666."
How do we know that these biblical predictions about the future will come true? Simply because over 2,000 prophecies and predictions made hundreds of years before the event have been fulfilled. The Bible contains 2,500 prophecies, so 500 have yet to be fulfilled.
So how do we avoid all this misery? By pledging our lives to Christ here and now if we haven't already done so. We will be taken up in the clouds with the other faithful ones when Jesus comes. And He will be coming very soon now!
What Is Faith?
November 5, 2009 — By George Hagen
Faith is the source of our strength, courage, guidance, and our victory over the evils of the world, temptations, and Satan. So why can't we just accept in faith God's promises and let them flow into our life all the time? We are just not constituted this way; at least I know I am not. Even though in the morning I decide to spend time with our Lord, my mind continually encounters thoughts that divert me. I have to consciously bring my mind back to our Lord, and a quick silent prayer helps.
God promises an experience of perfect inner peace in spite of even severe adversities. He promises wisdom and confidence so that we can stand up for the truth of the Word of God. His peace can be our daily experience.
Faith is the key to these provisions. Few, if any, subjects in the Bible are more important for us to understand than that of faith. The Bible declares many things about faith:
- We are born into eternal life through faith.
- We are declared righteous before God by faith.
- We are forgiven by faith.
- We are healed by faith.
- We learn God's Word by faith.
- By faith, we understand things to come.
- We are controlled and empowered in the Holy Spirit by faith.
- We can please God only by faith.
Faith pervades every aspect of our relationship with God and our service for Him. (Hebrews 3-4)
Questions About the Rapture
October 9, 2009 — By George Hagen
As the time draws nearer for the Rapture, questions seem to be flying around with many different ideas about it. They range from outright denial that there will be a Rapture to confusion between its timing and that of the Great Tribulation.
Here is what will happen and the sequence, as given in the Bible and revealed by Jesus to some of His faithful: Jesus has told those with whom He communicates that the Rapture will be very soon. No one will know the exact day or hour until He arrives. Jesus states that He will be coming in the clouds to take His "Children" to Heaven. He will come with trumpets and loud acclamation, and everyone on earth will realize what is happening. (Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
The first taken up will be the spirits and souls of those who have already died but who had accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They will be given new bodies in the air. After these souls are raised up, He will call up those who are still alive that have accepted His wonderful offer of salvation. They also will get new bodies.
Then the Great Tribulation begins. This terrible time is promised to be unlike anything that has occurred before or will happen again. (Revelation 6, 16:16-20; Mark 13:19)
Heaven is ready for us, and our wonderful Lord has already built housing and developed a Heaven that is beautiful beyond imagination. We will live there forever with God. Heaven is something that we should look forward to with great joy.
Many mistakenly believe that they have to earn Heaven by doing good deeds and living an exemplary life. This is false. We cannot earn our way into Heaven; it is a free gift from God. We only have to pledge our lives to Jesus Christ and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. (John 14:6; 1 John 1:9; Titus 3:3-8)
Back to Basics
August 30, 2009 — By George Hagen
National surveys tell us that those who claim to be Christians are a shrinking group. Further, we find that most people outside of this group know little about God and nothing about Christ. This article is directed to these folks.
Our country today is largely a society of non-believers. Oh, they believe in something, but it is not God. People want instant gratification in everything. They are not willing to wait for fulfillment. While their grandparents were willing to wait for and live for "heaven at all costs," they do not even think about life after death.
So who is God? God is our Creator; He created the Heavens and the Earth, the galaxies of the universe, and everything in them. He created you! He created you just the way He wanted you to be. But He also gave you and everyone a free choice. We can follow His path, or we can choose our own. And every choice has a consequence.
How do we get to know God if we don't already? Prayer, pure and simple. We might pray each and every day something like this: "Oh God, if there is a God, help me to know that You are real."
Reading the Bible can also be immensely helpful. The Bible is not boring, although some parts are more interesting than others. There are thousands of great stories in the Bible, fascinating tales of real happenings. Get a Bible with modern language. A New International Version (NIV) or the New King James Version are good choices.
I didn't start reading the Bible until I had read the wonderful book "Heaven Is So Real" by Choo Thomas. I was actually shocked into belief in Christ after reading just a part of this book. Most importantly, I learned who Jesus really is.
How do we get Christ to be our Lord and Savior? This is the easiest step, but one we must choose to take. Simply say the prayer of salvation aloud, from your heart, and then pledge your life to Him!
Would I Stand Up for the Lord?
August 17, 2009 — By George Hagen
If I had been one of Jesus' friends, would I have abandoned Him? I don't know. Certainly the disciples were frightened for their lives. But some of His friends, both women and men, stood by Him to the end. Since I don't know how I would have reacted, I can only consider how I would stand up for Him today.
In my adult life, I have never been afraid of anything except momentarily. But have I ever been challenged by an overpowering force that gave me a choice of living or dying? No, I haven't, and I hope I never will. People in other parts of the world have been given this choice—give up your faith and live, or die a martyr.
I now know the choices—either be with the Lord or be with Satan—forever! Knowing that, certainly I will endure whatever comes and choose Heaven over hell.
I could have been one of these lost souls if I had not found Jesus in 2004 after reading the book "Heaven Is So Real." What a momentous discovery for me at age 79! To think that before then I only thought about Jesus at Christmas, and soon He was forgotten again. Now I cannot imagine life without Christ being important.
How Can We Have God in Our Lives?
July 28, 2009 — By George Hagen
I feel sorrow for those who don't even ask this question. People continue to search for something to fill the emptiness within their lives. They try to fill it with entertainment, work, alcohol, drugs, or all sorts of adventures. What they fail to recognize is that the strange, sometimes nagging empty feeling is in the depths of their person. Actually, it is a built-in profound yearning for God Himself. God created us for His own companionship. If we don't realize this, we continue to feel emptiness that nothing will fill.
I have known folks who cannot be alone just within themselves. They are not comfortable with only their thoughts and have to have something going on all the time. Yet it is within this inner stillness that God can speak to us. We have to be quiet and listen for His still, small voice. Alone with Him, He becomes real to our inner spirit.
For those who have come to know God in such intimacy, times of solitude are the most precious times in their lives. They can become the highlight of each day.
"My health may fail, my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." — Psalm 73:26
Was I Really Living?
July 3, 2009 — By George Hagen
I have had a happy life and a fairly successful one. But thinking back, I wonder how much was enjoying the ride versus really living. What do I mean by "really living"? I guess I wouldn't have known how to answer this a few years ago, or even suspect that it was something I needed to consider.
After I accepted our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life changed markedly. Not a crashing change at first, but the change gained momentum day by day. It sort of crept up on me.
Today when I feel the presence of our Lord in my life after arising in the morning, and then from time to time throughout the day, I do stop and marvel that He takes the time to let me know in some way. I realize I am not any more special to Him than others, and His love is there for the taking by anyone. What a wonderful feeling!
Those who have not come to really know our Lord likely have no idea of what I am talking about. Often we mistake entertainment and fun for real living. I have continued to enjoy many of these happenings, but they take a backseat to the thrill I get in just praying to our Lord and thinking about Him.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
June 18, 2009 — By George Hagen
I am not the first person to write about this, and I won't be the last. Jesus spoke about it, and Old Testament saints had to contend with it. And today, people still ask the question: "Why?"
Part of the answer is that people's definition of "good" is different from that of Christ. People believe that just because they go to church, they are all good. Or they think that because they are kind to others, they qualify as good.
We should know, if we are Christians, that the Lord does not cause these problems. God does not enter a life and slaughter it. Why do bad things happen to good people? Sometimes it is because it helps them to see how to make this world a better place. God allows bad things to happen to good people sometimes because it is a necessary part of God's way for making a good person great.
God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He alone knows the higher meaning behind every suffering and all the evil brought on by humanity. He has the wisdom; we do not. The Word of God tells us that He will put an end to all suffering in His own timetable.
What we need to do when we see suffering is to think of what Jesus would do. Then, if it is in our power, we should act. All of us have skills and resources that can be used to help others.
God's healing help is available to everyone. "God is love" (1 John 4:16). Sometimes we can help others to know God. This can be done by praying with them, just the wonderful "Lord's Prayer" to start. Point out that prayer is as easy as talking to a friend.
When Will Our Lord Come for His Faithful?
May 17, 2009 — By George Hagen
When will Jesus come to take His faithful up into Heaven? Of course I don't know, as the Bible tells us that no one will know the day or the hour. We all can know the season, though. Is this the season of His coming? I know so.
Since no one knows when Jesus will come, what should we do while waiting? For some, waiting is terribly hard as Jesus is so much a part of their lives. It is of vital importance to be READY for Him.
What will happen to those who are not ready? The Bible is clear on this. Those who are not taken up in the clouds to join Jesus are the people left behind, left to suffer through what occurs next. They will have to endure the terrible tribulation discussed especially in the Book of Revelation.
So how can we avoid going through the terrible tribulation? By accepting here and now that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only one who can save you and forgive all your sins so that you can have eternal life with Him. (John 14:6)
After the prayer of salvation, to work out your salvation, read the Bible, pray often, and go to church to listen to God's words and fellowship with God's people. Your life will never be the same; you'll have a very happy life while on this earth and live forever with Jesus in Heaven. God bless you.
A Message on What God Requires
March 10, 2009 — By George Hagen
We need to be aware of what God requires from us while granting His untold number of blessings in our life. We should know the reason we were put on this earth.
Our Lord Jesus, who is God the same as God our Father, wants us to have a happy life, but He also wants us to worship Him. If we simply go through life reaping His blessings without acknowledging the source, He will not be pleased. We must please the Lord if we are to spend eternity with Him.
Our life on earth is only as a blink of an eye in contrast to our time in eternity. Eternity is forever. Even if we live to be 100, a long earth life, this is nothing compared to the time we will spend as living beings after our earthly bodies die and we are given new bodies.
What is our real self that lives forever? Our soul or spirit is our real self. Our bodies are merely a home for our soul while we are on earth. Our soul existed before we were born on earth and will continue to exist after we leave earth—it will exist forever.
The Bible tells us, and Jesus made it quite clear while He was on earth, that He absolutely requires us to worship Him. Jesus is quoted in John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
When Jesus was asked what we must do to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)
How do we get to know our God? Fortunately, we have the modern Bible that tells the story of Jesus while He was walking on this earth. Daily Bible reading is important if we are to know our God. The Bible is very interesting, not boring. Many of the books tell intriguing stories, the adventures of real people.
Why were we put on this earth? Our journey here is merely a training ground for Heaven. Our conduct will prepare us to be with Him forever—or not. If we waste this wonderful opportunity, we will be forever sorry.
If He came to take His chosen ones to Heaven today, would we be ready for Him? We don't know when He will come, but He has said that it will be soon.
About Harboring a Grudge Against God
July 31, 2008 — By George Hagen
This is a letter I wrote to a lady who lost her son to disease over fifty years ago. She still asks, "Why does God allow such suffering?" and blames God for this.
We don't know why God sometimes heals people and sometimes does not. We do know, though, that God does NOT cause these problems. We live in a world of sin; we are all sinners. Satan is alive and well and works continuously to bring people under his influence. Christians who truly believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior are especially under attack.
When God created the universe, He saw that it was good (Genesis 1:31). But evil entered. The Bible declares that apart from our Lord Jesus, there is none who does good, no not one (Romans 3:12). So God's definition of "good" is different from ours.
After I came to faith in 2004, I started to read the Bible and have read it through three times. Often when reading, a thought sort of jumps out at me. Several times it accused me of some sin that I had not realized was a sin. I immediately accepted this and prayed for forgiveness. Each time a "load" was taken from me that I hadn't realized was a problem.
An example is that I harbored a grudge against a prominent Democrat. Holding a grudge does not hurt the target person, only the person holding it. It is a very serious sin. To hold a grudge against God is fatal.
Please Do Not Ignore This Warning
April 28, 2007 — By George Hagen
If you know anyone who has not already accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, please let them know about this warning!
I know now beyond any doubt that there is an afterlife for our spirits and that we must prepare for this. The consequences of not preparing are terrible; our spirit will live forever in eternal hell. Our real self is our spirit. Our earthly body is its temporary house. Our spirit lives forever. In Heaven, we will have renewed bodies.
No matter what we have done or experienced in our past life, all of us can live forever with Jesus Christ in Heaven. We must take an easy step, but a vital one—confess our sins, ask for forgiveness, and receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that the only way we will ever see our Heavenly Father or be in Heaven is through belief in Jesus Christ. He is the way and the only way. Living a good life will not, without Jesus, get us there!
When I finally accepted Jesus in February 2004 as my Lord and Savior and believed that He died for our sins, I found my life gradually becoming more fulfilling. Many of the earthly things that I cherished in the past are no longer important. What is important is the love for God and for each other. God is love, and nothing else compares with this.
I found my faith after reading the book "Heaven Is So Real" by Choo Thomas. Every day, faith becomes more meaningful as I read the Bible and other inspirational writings. Prayer has brought so many wonderful things that I feel "undressed" without it. The Holy Spirit lives in me and gives continual guidance when I listen. Everyone can have this same experience if they ask.
Summary on How to Be Saved:
- Accept Jesus as our Savior; love Him for His sacrifices and what He has done for us.
- Be sure to also show our Father our praise, thanks, and love for everything we have and are.
- Repent your sins. Ask for forgiveness every day.
- Show love to everyone! Forgive anyone who we think has wronged us.
- Pray often and pray sincerely to Heavenly Father in Jesus' name for important things.
- Ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit to help in our everyday life. He is extremely helpful.
- Try to do what you believe Christ wants you to do.
- Live an example to others, and they will recognize it.
- Keep Satan from influencing your life; cast him out of your life in Jesus' name!
- Associate as much as possible with people who have similar faith, but don't ignore others.
- Attend church and tithe. Church attendance helps in reinforcing your faith and in gaining knowledge.
The time to be saved is now! We don't know how long we will be here—months, days, or hours. We need to concentrate on eternal life for our spirit, not present-day pleasures. Our mission today is to spread the Word. How else will others know Jesus if someone doesn't tell them?