Without knowledge of the spiritual truth of God’s word and His promises, many wander in darkness and despair. The memory verses for this project are intended to shine like rays of light into our lives, giving us hope and life everlasting. As Isaiah prophesized regarding the ultimate revelation of God’s Word in Jesus Christ: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV)
Our natural and chosen state is darkness, which is separation from God. This is because we have all sinned and rebelled against God’s moral standard. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23, NIV) Sin leads to death as Paul states in Romans 6:23: “for the wages of sin is death…” (NIV) Isaiah the prophet declared: "but your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." (Isaiah 59:2, NIV)
However, the story doesn’t end there! God sent His son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for all our sin by dying a horrific death on the cross. Paul declares in Romans 5:8: “but God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NIV)
Not only did Jesus die for us, but He rose to life again, proving He has the power to give us eternal life. He forever defeated our enemies: Satan, sin, and death! If you think this just sounds like a story from long ago, consider the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. They were all willing to die rather than deny that Jesus had risen from the dead. In fact, most Christians in the first century died horrific deaths as martyrs. I don’t know about you, but I would absolutely not be willing to die for a lie! In fact, I’d have a hard time even being willing to die for the truth unless I were absolutely sure I had eternal life with Jesus in heaven.
Jesus Himself promised to the Pharisee Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) Later on the cross, Jesus encouraged the believing thief who was crucified beside Him: “…truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NIV)
So what is our response?
How do we receive eternal life?
First, we must admit that we have sinned and are in need of a Savior.
Then we must repent of our sins. Peter preached: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19, NIV).
Next, we turn to God by believing in His son, Jesus Christ. God promises us "that if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9, NIV) How about you? Do you have eternal life? Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? Have you turned from your sins and made a commitment to follow
Jesus?
In this life, we are only guaranteed the present moment. I encourage you to take a step of faith and follow Jesus. Jesus Himself promised in Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (NIV)
Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart and promises to come inside if you will open the door! You can invite Him in by praying this simple prayer from your heart:
Lord, I confess that I am a sinner and I ask you to forgive me for how I have wronged you and others. I believe that you, Jesus, died for my sins and came to life again to give me eternal life. Please come into my life right now and be my Lord and Savior. Guide and help me in my new life as a Christian. Amen
If you just prayed that prayer from your heart, know that there is rejoicing in heaven because they just welcomed a new citizen: you!
Take steps to grow in your relationship with Jesus in the following ways:
1. Read and study your Bible daily to know Jesus better.2. Talk to God in prayer every day.
3. Tell others about Jesus and what He has done in your life .
4. Worship, fellowship, and serve with other Christians in a church that believes the Bible is God’s true word and glorifies Jesus.
5. As Jesus’ representative in a needy world, demonstrate your new life by your love and concern for others
In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continued with the symbol of light, applying it now to the commission given to us as His followers. He said:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)