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1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24 tells us: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God... but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
It is amazing that these words of Scripture were written nearly 2,000 years ago and still carry eternal weight today. They determine, even now, where we stand with God and eternity. The fact that Jesus Christ died on a cross and rose from the dead to bring salvation to the world remains the most important event in all of human history.
How we respond to the death and resurrection of Jesus is the most critical decision of our lives. To believe the Gospel, to receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, to be born again and to become His disciple is what God desires for each one of us. Jesus longs for a personal relationship with you, to share the blessings of His Kingdom on earth and to give you the gift of eternal life.
The message of the Cross has not changed. After man's fall, sin entered the world and brought its devastating consequences. Jesus came to redeem all humanity, paying the price for sin by becoming the sacrifice that makes salvation possible for everyone. We must surrender our lives to Him, ask in faith for His forgiveness and receive Him as Lord and Savior and accept His salvation. This message is timeless and precious, and still offered to each of us today.
Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ready to Receive Jesus?
To be saved, we must receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and repent of our sins. If you're ready to take that step and invite Him into your heart and life, you can pray this simple prayer of salvation at any time: "Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my heart and life and receive You as my Savior and God. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
If you prayed that salvation prayer or one like it, I encourage you to connect with a Bible-believing, Christ-centered church. There you will find answers, encouragement and a community to walk alongside you in your faith journey. God will abundantly bless you as you follow Him. And if you want to know more about Jesus and the message of the Cross, or simply need someone to talk or pray with, don't hesitate to reach out to or visit a local church and pastor near you.
I pray that today you find the peace you've been searching for and the answers you've been longing for -- in Jesus and in the Cross.
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Rev. John Snyder, pastor of House of the Lord Fellowship, Lock Haven.