A few words..

Recently a man that some of Elianas family knew died of cancer. But not long ago, Elianas father spoke to him about Christ, and he received Christ into his life. A lot of the family of this man is not Christian, and I think that was an especially difficult time for them, because there was much confusion, anxiety, and fear. They do not understand how this man has received the gift of salvation from Christ, and he has nothing to worry about. This makes me think about people like the apostle Paul in the Bible, or Jim Rittenhouse who recently died. Both were Christians that not only had acknowledged that they had sin in their life, and looked to Jesus Christ for their salvation, but they also really knew Jesus. I think a lot of Christians have received Christ in their heart, but have not grown to really know him, and love him. And I would say that I am one of those. But my desire is to know him more, because I want what Paul and Jim had, and that is to really know Jesus, and I know that can happen in my life. I think that will happen in everyones life if it is something that they really want. Both Paul and Jim were ready to die, because they knew God, and because they knew God, they wanted to leave this world, and be with Him in heaven. I think that is a wonderful thing when that happens to someone. I do not want to be afraid to die, but to have joy in thinking that I finally get to leave this world which is full of sin, and to live forever with God where there is no sin, or hate or suffering, but only joy and peace which goes on forever.
I would like to say to everyone that the gift of salvation is available to them. John 3:16 says:

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.

That ¨Son¨ is Jesus Christ, who came here, and died for our sin. He was without sin, but took our sin, and died. He took our punishment, which we deserved. But after 3 days, He rose again, and is now to the side of His father in Heaven.
Here is a good example which shows how we are saved. It is from Luke 23:39-43.

One of the criminals on a cross began to should insults at Jesus: ¨Aren´t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.¨ But the other criminal stopped him and said, ¨You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, ¨Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.¨ Jesus said to him ¨I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.¨

Jesus Christ was crucified with two other men, both who were criminals. One of the criminals acknowledged the sin in his own life, and asked Jesus to remember him. And Jesus said ¨today you will be with me in paradise¨. There is an example of the gift of salvation, it is as easy as that. The criminal knew he was in need of a Savior, and turned to Jesus for his salvation. Salvation is not gained by working for it, or living a good life, but it is a free gift from God, because Jesus died for our sin. All those who believe in Christ, and turn to Him for their salvation will be saved. And then that is the beginning of a new life. Not only do you gain eternal salvation, but the spirit of Christ enters into your heart, and begins to change you. I am so thankful that I do not continue living the life that I once lived, but I have God in my life who helps me, and guides me, and uses me for a special purpose. And someday when I die, and stand before God, I do not have to be in fear or to be worrying, because Jesus Christ took my punishment for me.

If you want this gift of salvation, all you have to do is ask. You can use your own words, or maybe you like these:

Jesus, I know I have sin in my life, and I ask that you forgive me. And change me into the person that you want me to be.