What does the Bible say about how we as sinners can be brought back to fellowship with a Holy God? We can answer this question biblically by utilizing the word and acronym F.A.I.T.H.
F is for FORGIVENESS
We cannot have a relationship with God the Father, eternal life, and a home in Heaven without God’s forgiveness for our sins.
Ephesians 1:7-8, “In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which He lavished upon us.”
1 John 1:8-9, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
A is for AVAILABLE
Available or offered to all: John 3:16-18, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
But not automatic: Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
I is for IMPOSSIBLE
It is impossible for God to have a relationship with sinners, and allow sinners into Heaven for eternity:
Because of His nature: He is loving and just and must judge sin: Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because of Who We Are: Every Person has sinned, Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
So how can a sinful person enter into a relationship with a Holy God and enter Heaven, when God allows no sin?
T is for TURN
Turn means to repent.
Turn from something —sin and self— Luke 13:3, “No, I [Jesus] tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Turn to Someone; Trust in Jesus alone for your salvation:Romans 10:9-10, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
H is for HEAVEN
Here: John 10:9-10, “If anyone enters by me [Jesus], he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Hereafter: John 14:3-7, “And if I [Jesus] go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Forsaking All I Trust Him
How can a person have God’s forgiveness, Jesus as personal Savior and Lord, and eternal life here and hereafter? By trusting in Jesus and asking Him for forgiveness. Take the step of faith described above by another meaning of F.A.I.T.H.: Forsaking All I Trust Him.
Prayer to Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, I know I am a sinner and have displeased you in many ways. I have failed to live for your glory and disobeyed your commands. I believe that You sent Jesus to die for my sin and that only by faith in His death and resurrection can I be forgiven for my sins.
I want to turn from my sin and ask You to come into my life as my Savior and Lord. From this day on, I will follow You by living a life that pleases You. Thank You, Lord Jesus for having me. Amen.
What Do I Do Next?
After you have repented of your sin and trusted in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, tell a Christian friend about this important decision you have made. Follow Jesus by being baptized and become a member of a church that teaches through books of the Bible. There you will learn what it means to be a follower of Jesus in biblical community. You will find encouragement and support as you meet regularly with other disciples of Jesus.
Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day [the return of Jesus] drawing near.”
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