Getting Right With God

by Ed Urzi

Here’s what you need to know from the Scriptures about getting right with God…

You need salvation
1.) Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”
2.) Ecclesiastes 7:20: “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.”
3.) John 3:3: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

You can’t do it yourself
1.) Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
2.) Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
3.) Romans 4:5: “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness…”

Jesus is the only one who can help you
1.) 1 Peter 3:18: “Christ also has suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”
2.) Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

The time is now
1.) 2 Corinthians 6:1-2: “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain….Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
2.) James 4:14: “…whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

What you need to do
1.) Repent- acknowledge that you’ve failed to meet God’s standards and turn back
a.) Luke 13:3: “I tell you…unless you repent you will all likewise perish..”
2.) Believe, trust and rely on Christ
a.) Acts 16:31: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved.”

When people make the decision to accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for the things they’ve done wrong, they are often pray what is known as “The Sinner’s Prayer.” This prayer is very simple and has just four basic parts…

1.) Recognizing that there is a God: Lord God, or Dear God
2.) Agreeing with God that you have failed to meet His standards: I realize that I am a sinner or I understand that I have broken Your Laws
3.) Acceptance of Jesus’ substitute death on the cross as payment for the things that you’ve done wrong: I accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross in place of the punishment I deserve or I receive Jesus as my Savior
4.) A humble request for God’s assistance: Help me to live in a way that is pleasing to You or Please make me the person you want me to be

A prayer like this should be offered in Jesus’ name (see John 16:23-24 and 1 Timothy 2:5) and it’s the way to go if you want a fresh start in your life.