Enjoy a Relationship With the One, True, Living God

We should start with the definition of faith. What is faith? Faith is generally defined as a sure belief in the truth and faithfulness of a person, idea or thing.

In Christianity we believe, by faith, that God exists, that he is alive and active in the world and that through God’s only Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit we can live with hope. We believe that there is one, true, living God and that he represents himself to us in three forms—-Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We also believe that every person is born in sin—that is, that each person must find relief from selfishness, evil and corruption by means of Someone outside of themselves. Our sin is so great that the only way to pay for it was through the death of Jesus Christ. He is the only one who could bear the burden of every sin and come back to life after giving himself for all of humanity. Our faith rests in the love of God extended to all people who will believe through that sacrificial death and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because of this our sins can be forgiven. There are some core Scriptures that teach the truth about us and about God.

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  (John 3:16-17)

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.  From now on you do know him and have seen him.”  (John 14:6-7)

God longs for us to be in a personal relationship with him and sin separates us from him. Since Jesus Christ has already given himself for us, what is our part?

Step One

We need to admit that we are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. This may be a difficult step to take because you feel you have lived a good and decent life. No matter how good we live our lives, they can never cover the deceitfulness that is in each human heart without God. Or perhaps you know that you have done some terrible things and you know that you need someone to get you out of the messes you are in. Then forgiveness is available for you, too. Wherever you are between the range of goodness to evil—God’s love is always extended to you.

Step Two

We need to ask God to forgive us of our sins. This may or may not be a simple step for you. If you feel that you cannot be forgiven, then one tiny drop of faith in God’s love can help you pray a simple prayer. If you feel that you don’t need to be forgiven, but you still have a vast emptiness inside…perhaps you do need forgiveness. And having one tiny drop of faith in God’s love enables you to pray a simple prayer.

Now, I invite you to pray.  If you have no words here are some you can pray:

Jesus Christ, I admit that I am a sinner in need of God’s love. Please forgive me of my sins and make me able to be in right relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen.

           

This may be a difficult step for you and you may not be quite ready for it. So, there are two important things you need to know. God’s love and grace are available for you at any time in your life. You can pray to be forgiven at any moment. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) You do not have to get your life straightened out to have a relationship with God! The grace, love and power of God is what will enable you to straighten your life out. It may not happen overnight, but you can have victory over the things that bind you to hatred, guilt and sorrow—while knowing you have been forgiven.

Step Three

You must repent. To repent means that you turn away from sin and head toward God instead of your own selfish desires or evil.  This may take some practice, so just plan on that. In the act of repentance, you will need to do some helpful things to put your mind and behavior toward God.

• Pray daily for God’s help.
• Find a good Christian church who will support and love you in your walk. Be sure that they are a church who studies God's Word and acts the way the Bible teaches.  
• Get a Bible and start reading! Find a version of the Bible that you can easily understand. 

If you have prayed that prayer today, you have made a very good choice, one that you will learn is the best decision you have ever made. May God bless you as you walk with The Word!

If you have not made this choice today, I want you to remember something very important: God’s love and grace is available to you at any time in your life!

A relationship with God is like a relationship enjoyed with a beloved human being—except that God’s love is perfect, never-failing and always available. I know it is because I have had that vital relationship for many, many years.

© M. R. Hyde