Why do I need new life? If you're reading this, you're alive. But eventually, we all die. What happens then? Do you know for sure that you are going to live forever with God in heaven?

If God were to ask you, "Why should I let you into heaven?" what would you say?

The Bible tells how we can know for sure that we have new life - eternal life! "These things I have written to you so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13)

Click here to see a Flash presentation of what the Bible says about how to receive this life, and this assurance. Or, keep reading.

Here's the good news, straight from God's Word...

Eternal Life is a FREE GIFT. The Bible says, "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord." (Romans 6:23).

And because Heaven is a gift, like any other genuine gift...
It is not earned or deserved! No amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn a place in heaven for you. "For it is by grace that you are saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

WHY is it that no one can earn their way to heaven? Because...

Man is a sinner. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) Sin is transgressing God's law, and includes such things as lying, lust, cheating, deceit, anger, evil thoughts, immoral behavior, and more.

And because of this...
Man cannot save himself. If you wanted to save yourself by good deeds, do you know how perfect you would have to be? "Be perfect, therefore, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48) With such a high standard, no one can save him or herself.

However, in spite of our sin...

God is merciful and therefore doesn't want to punish us. He says, "...I have loved you with an everlasting love..." (Jeremiah 31:3)

But the same Bible which tells us that God loves us, also tells us that...
God is just, and therefore must punish sin. He says, "I will by no means clear the guilty." (Exodus 34:7) and "The soul that sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4)

We have a problem. God loves us and doesn't want to punish us, BUT He is just and must punish sin.

God solved this problem for us in the person of...

Jesus Christ! The Bible tells us clearly that He is the infinite GOD-MAN. "In the beginning was the Word (Jesus)...and the Word (Jesus) was God. And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and made his dwelling among us." (John 1:1, 14)

Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless life, but while he was here...
He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, and then rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in heaven. "All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all." (Isaiah 53:6) Jesus Christ bore our sin in his body on the cross, and now offers you eternal life as a free gift.

This gift is received by...

Faith. Many people mistake 2 things for saving faith. Saving faith is not mere HEAD KNOWLEDGE, like believing certain historical facts. The Bible says even the devil believes there is one God, so believing that there is one God is not saving faith. Saving faith is not mere TEMPORAL FAITH, that is, trusting God for temporary crises such as financial, family or physical needs. Now these are good, and you should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith!

Saving Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. It means resting upon Christ alone and what HE has done rather than in what you or I have done to get us into heaven. "...Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31)

Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life? Because this is such an important matter, let's clarify what it involves.

It means that you need to:
Transfer your trust from what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on the cross.

Accept the living Christ as Savior. Open the "door" to your heart and let Him in.

Receive Jesus Christ as Lord. Give Him the "driver's seat" and "controls" of your life, not the "back seat."

Repent. Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.

Now, if this is what you really want...

You can go to God in prayer right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus right now. "For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:10, 13)

If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now.

Here's a suggested prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in You for salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life."

If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him: "Truly, truly, I say unto you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life." (John 6:47)

If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away) from your sins, placed your trust in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death, and received the gift of eternal life, YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD! FOREVER!

"But as many received Him, to them He gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." (John 1:12)

What's next?

New life in Jesus enables us to grow. The Bible tells us some ways that God has designed to help Christians mature and become more like Jesus...

...read the Bible. If you've never done this before, try starting with the Gospel of John, and read a chapter every day.

...pray. Spend time each day talking to God through prayer.

...worship. Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.

...fellowship. Spend time with other Christians who will help you grow in your faith.

...witness. Tell others what God has done for you!

It is only by God's presence in our lives that we are able to grow and do these things.

If you have more questions, or you'd rather speak to someone personally, please contact either the church office, or Elaine Cavrak (phone: 412-373-0991, email: emcavr@hotmail.com) If you made a decision to trust Christ, please let us know so we can pray for you!