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 Sinner's
Prayer? Not For Me - I'm Not a Sinner!
"Sinner" is a
word that gets a bad rap these days - and well it should.
Unfortunately, the bad rap it is getting is for the wrong reasons.
Confronted with our shortcomings, we are quick to defend ourselves
with words like, "I'm not a sinner! I don't go around sinning! I've
never murdered anyone or anything like that!" The problem is, we
don't really know what the word sin means. We think it only applies
to some despicable act that repulses "church people" who want to
hang big scarlet letters around our necks. But sin simply means to
miss the mark; to fall short of the goal. The fact is, we are all
sinners, for there is no one, save Christ alone, who has lived a
life that did not in some way fall short of the perfection God
requires. We all deserve to pay the penalty for that sin, which is
to spend eternity in hell.
Sinner's Prayer - What the
Bible Says About Sin
Sin, according to the Bible, is any
action that violates the law given by God in the Ten Commandments.
The law was given by God to show us what it means to live a life
deserving of God's love. It was also given to show us that none of
us can live that kind of life. God knew that in advance, and that is
why He sent His Son Jesus to be that perfect life for us. Jesus, God
in human flesh, voluntarily laid aside His God-hood to connect with
us, to show us He understands us and to give us a way to be
reconciled to the Father, since none of us can keep the law to its
letter. "For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God"
(Romans 3:23).
Some say that sin is two letters, "s" and "n",
with "I" in the middle. We elevate ourselves, and certainly we live
in a time when that thinking is being promoted. Sin may be something
we can't be free of, but the good news is we can be free of its
penalty. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans
6:23)
Sinner's Prayer - Become a Sinner Saved by
Grace!
What's the key to the Sinner's Prayer? As long as
we are content to live in sin, the Bible says we are separated from
God. That condition may seem fine for a while, but it ultimately
leads to misery and then to eternal separation from God. "There is a
way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."
(Proverbs 16:25). The good news is that God Himself has made a way
for us to be reconciled to Him, and He has done this through His
Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6-15).
What about you?
Are you content to live for yourself, get the most
toys, and die anyway? Or do you want a life of purpose and hope?
God, the One who created you, has a purpose for your life and wants
to give you a new beginning. If you are ready to admit your need for
a clean slate in life, the God of second chances is waiting to give
it to you. All you have to do is start with the Sinner's
Prayer.
Sinner's Prayer - Recognizing the
Need
The "Sinner's Prayer" is a term that describes the
words spoken by a person when he or she has recognized their sin and
their need for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It goes
something like this:
“Father, I know that I have broken your
laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and
now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please
forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your
son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead,
is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of
my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please
send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for
the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.”
If you
decided to repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to
God's family. Now, as a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells
us to follow up on our commitment.
1. Get baptized as
commanded by Christ.
2. Tell someone else about your new
faith in Christ.
3. Spend time with God each day. It does
not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit
of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your
faith and your understanding of the Bible.
4.Seek fellowship
with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends
to answer your questions and support you.
Find a local
Assembly of God church where you can worship and grow.
If you received salvation just now click [here] and let us
know. |
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