The first step is to realize that you have sinned against God. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life though Jesus Christ our Lord." The effect of sin is death.

  The next step is to realize that you need a Savior. No man can cleanse himself of sin. No man can heal himself of the effects of sin.

  Because of God's mercy and love, He did not want man to live half dead. God's Word says in 2 Peter 3:9 that, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

  But, because of God's justice, death was the only payment for sin (Ezek 18:4).

  Mercy and Justice. They seem like two contradictory ideals. With God, in Whom there is no contradiction, how can these two ideals meet? With a compromise? NO! With one ideal outweighing the other? Absolutely not!

  God cannot compromise with Himself neither does one attribute outweigh the other. God had an awesome plan. He knew before He breathed life into man what He would have to do.

  God knew man would fail. Jesus, the only Son of God, also knew what man would do. So one day Jesus walks up to the Father and says, "I know that they are going to fail. Father, I know it will break you heart when they do, because You love Your creation. But Father, Your justice demands payment for their turning away from You.

  The Father then turns to Jesus and says, "Yes, You're right My Son, but there is only one way that My mercy and My justice can be reconciled."

  Jesus then says, "I know, Father. Someone must take their place. Someone who has no sin. Father, I will take their place."

  A tear rolls from the Father's eye. "Yes, My Son, take their place. At the appointed time, You will be born of a woman. Not just any woman, but a virgin. You will enter the world as one like as they are, but You will be different. Your purpose in being born is to die, for them. They will despise You and reject You. You will be beaten, nailed to a cross, and Your side pierced, all for them. Many will follow You, though. They will see You as You really are, their Savior and Deliverer."

  And this is exactly what happened. Jesus was born of a virgin. God wrapped in human flesh, so that He could rescue us from sin and death.

  Do you know what the best part is? All of this is free. It doesn't cost you anything to receive it. Jesus has already paid the price for you. All you have to do is ask Him for it.

  If you are ready to receive this gift of salvation, pray with me.

Dear God, I know that I have sinned against You.
I am truly sorry, for I know that I have broken
Your heart. Forgive me. I ask You to allow Jesus'
death to pay the price for my salvation. Jesus, I
accept Your gift of salvation now and I thank You
for it. I will follow You with all of my heart. Amen.

PRAISE GOD! You have just been cleansed from your sin. You are now a part of the family of God.

As you prayed that prayer, the angels of heaven began to rejoice over you. All heaven is having a party because of what you have done.

Do you know that God's not through with you yet? He wants to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He wants to lead you into all truth. He wants you to become intimate friends with Him. Isn't that awesome!!