God's Love

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."
(John 3:16 see notes)

God's Plan

Jesus said, "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (that it might be full and meaningful)
(John 10:10

Man is Sinful

 

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
(Romans 3:23 see notes)

Man was created to have fellowship with God; but, because of his stubborn self-will, he chose to go his own independent way and fellowship with God was broken. This self-will, characterized by an attitude of active rebellion or passive indifference, is evidence of what the Bible calls sin.

Man is Separated

"For the [result] of sin is death" -- spiritual separation from God.
(Romans 6:23 see notes)

The diagram below illustrates that God is holy and man is sinful. A great gulf separates the two. The arrows show that man is continually trying to reach God and the abundant life through his own efforts, such as living a good life, following specific philosophies or religions, etc.

The third law explains the only way to bridge this gulf...

We Must Receive Christ

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name"
(John 1:12 see notes)

We Receive Christ Through Faith

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)

When we receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth

"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Do not be surprised when I say you must be born again. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
(see John 3:1-8)

We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation

Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him." (Revelation 3:20)

Receiving Christ involves turning to God from self (repentance) and trusting Christ to come into our lives to forgive our sins and to make us the kind of people He wants us to be. Just to agree intellectually that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins is not enough. Nor is it enough to have an emotional experience. We receive Jesus Christ by faith, as an act of will.

The two diagrams below represent two kinds of lives, the self-directed life and the Christ-directed life:

Which circle best represents your life?

Which circle would you like to have represent your life?

The following explains how you can receive Christ.

NOW THAT YOU RECEIVED CHRIST