God is holy and just.
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne." (Psalm 89:14) "But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy by His righteousness." (Isaiah 5:16)
God has set a time of judgment for all.
"For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." (Ecclesiastes 12:14) "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27)
God judges us based on His written Law.
"There is no one righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10) "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." (James 2:10) Have you ever told a lie? Be honest. Have you ever been angry without cause? "You have heard that it was said to those of old 'You shall not murder,' and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment." (Matthew 5:21-22) Have you ever had lust in your heart? "You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28)
And those are only 3 of the 10 commandments.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." (Romans 3:23) "But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath when his righteous judgment will be revealed." (Romans 2:5)
The penalty for sin is eternal punishment in Hell.
"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 5:23) "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolator - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 5:5) "...but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." (Hebrews 10:27)
BUT God is rich in mercy to all who call upon and commit themselves to Him.
"The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him." (Daniel 9:9) "In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3)
The free gift of eternal life is only by grace through faith in Christ.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
You must receive Jesus Christ and be born again to enter the kingdom of God.
"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12) Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3) "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:12)
Prayer of Repentance
Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that I have broken Your Law and have sinned against You. I repent and turn away from my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you that Jesus suffered on the cross in my place as payment for my sin. I now place my trust in Him as Savior and Lord. I commit myself to a life of obedience to Him. In Jesus's name. Amen. ...Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
If you prayed the above prayer...
Let us rejoice with you that your name is written in the book of life! The Bible says "For the grace of God teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." (Titus 2:11-12) As you follow Him in obedience to his Will, He has promised to make you like His Son, Jesus. Learn His will by reading the Bible every day.
We would like to give you some information that will help you as you begin your new life in Christ. Following worship, please let the pastor know of your commitment or call the pastor at the church office, 815-874-6806.