WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW JESUS?
Jesus loves you so much and He created you with a purpose and an incredible plan for your life. No matter what your story is, or how far you may feel you are from God, He’s never lost sight of you or forgotten about you. With Jesus, there’s forgiveness from your past, strength for your life today, and hope for what’s ahead tomorrow. Follow Jesus by responding personally to Him.
How Can I Be Saved?
This simple, yet profound, question is the most important question that can be asked and deals with where we will spend eternity after our lives in this world are over. The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul and Silas responded,
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” Acts 16:31
Why Do I Need To Be Saved?
We are born with sin (Psalm 51:5), and we all personally choose to sin (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 1:8). Sin is what separates us from a holy God.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Saved From What?
Because of our sin, we all deserve death (Romans 6:23). While the physical consequence of sin is physical death, that is not the only kind of death that results from sin. All sin is ultimately committed against an eternal and infinite God (Psalm 51:4). Because of that, the just penalty for our sin is also eternal and infinite. What we need to be saved from is eternal destruction in hell, the wrath of God and separation from Him (Matthew 25:46; Revelation 20:15).
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
How Did God Provide Salvation?
Because the just penalty for sin is eternal death and separation from God, only God could pay the penalty, because only He is infinite and eternal. So God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ to take upon himself the punishment we deserve and endure the just wrath of God for our sin.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Jesus’ death on the cross was the perfect and complete payment for our sin (1 John 2:2). He took the consequences we deserved. He died, but he didn't stay dead. After three days he rose again conquering sin and death once and for all. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead demonstrated that His death was indeed the perfectly sufficient sacrifice for sin.
What Do I Need To Do?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
There is nothing you can do to earn salvation. God has already done all of the work. All you must do is repent of your sin and place your faith in the salvation God offers through Jesus.
Fully trust in Jesus alone as the payment for your sins. Believe in Him, and you will not perish (John 3:16). God is offering you salvation as a gift. All you have to do is accept it. Jesus is the way of salvation (John 14:6).
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
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
Pray to Receive Jesus Today
If you have come to believe in the work that Jesus did for you and want to receive Him as Savior and Lord then take some time now and respond to Him saying:
Jesus, I need you. I confess and repent of my sin. I turn now from sin to you my Savior. I believe that you died on the cross and rose again. I believe you are the way, the truth and the life. Will you save me? I give you all of me today. You can have full control over my life. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for making me whole. In Jesus name, Amen.
If you just responded to Jesus in repentance and faith we want to welcome you to God’s family!
TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP >
Valley Church believes baptism is an important next step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his or her Savior. Baptism is a way to go public with your faith. While it’s not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God. We immerse because we believe Scripture shows Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him. Just like a bride and groom show their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others you have accepted Christ.