Who do You Want To Be?
As I go through life, I have observed lots of folks and their search for the meaning of life. I see the up and coming “Want-A-Be’s,” The “Has-Bens,” the “Use-To-Be’s” and the “Could-A-Should-A folks.” They all fight for identity and strive for acceptance and recognition among their friends and the public at large.
The “Want-A-Be’s” are still dreaming of being somebody while the “Has Ben’s” feel left out and alone. Their contribution or lack of it has already passed them by. The time they had to accomplish and be someone is now over. The twilight years are upon them.
The “Could-A-Should-A’s are still complaining about their mis-fortunes in life. They could have been if…this or that didn’t happen…or they complain about how they should have but didn’t for whatever reason.
Life is not fair. Some of us do better than others. Life is hard for some and easy for others. How has your life been so far? Are you satisfied with the path you are on? Where will it lead you?
Jesus said, Broad is the road that leads unto destruction and narrow is the way that takes you into eternal life. Which road are you on? Jesus said most folks are on the broad road. There is plenty of room for the masses.
The narrow path is for those that seriously want to be with Jesus. They know that he is the “Way” the “Truth’ and the “Life.” They also know that no one can come to God, the Father, except through him.
If you are a “Truth Seeker” and are looking for the way to heaven, eternity and fellowship with God, the Father, this narrow road is for you.
Here are some Bible scriptures that will guide you into the loving arms of Jesus: Most pastors call it the Roman’s Road.
The first verse on the Romans Road to salvation is Romans 3:23,
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” We have all sinned. We have all done things that are displeasing to God. There is no one who is innocent. Romans 3:10-18 gives a detailed picture of what sin looks like in our lives.
The second Scripture on the Romans Road to salvation, Romans 6:23b, teaches us about the consequences of sin:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The punishment that we have earned for our sins is death. Not just physical death, but eternal death!
The third verse on the Romans Road to salvation picks up in the middle of Romans 6:23:
“But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ died for us! Jesus’ death paid for the price of our sins. Jesus’ resurrection proves that God accepted Jesus’ death as the payment for our sins.
The fourth stop on the Romans Road to salvation is Romans 10:9,
“That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, all we have to do is believe in Him, trusting His death as the payment for our sins – and we will be saved!
Romans 10:13 says it again, “for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins and rescue us from eternal death. Salvation, the forgiveness of sins, is available to anyone who will trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The final aspect of the Romans Road to salvation is the results of salvation. Romans 5:1 has this wonderful message:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through Jesus Christ we can have a relationship of peace with God.
Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Because of Jesus’ death on our behalf, we will never be condemned for our sins.
Finally, we have this precious promise of God from Romans 8:38-39:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Years ago, I read a pamphlet about the four spiritual laws. I thought I’d share them with you. I found them on www.gotquestions.com.
The first of the Four Spiritual Laws is, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” John 3:16 tells us,
“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 10:10 gives us the reason that Jesus came,
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What is blocking us from God’s love? What is preventing us from having an abundant life?
The second of the Four Spiritual Laws is, “Humanity is tainted by sin and is therefore separated from God. As a result, we cannot know God’s wonderful plan for our lives.”
Romans 3:23 affirms this information, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 gives us the consequences of sin, “the wages of sin is death.” God created us to have fellowship with him.
However, humanity brought sin into the world, and is therefore separated from God. We have ruined the relationship with him that God intended us to have. What is the solution?
The third of the Four Spiritual Laws is, “Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our sin. Through Jesus Christ, we can have our sins forgiven and restore a right relationship with God.” Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 informs us of what we need to know and believe in order to be saved, “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” Jesus himself declares that he is the only way of salvation in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” How can I receive this wonderful gift of salvation?
The Fourth of the Four Spiritual Laws is, “We must place our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior in order to receive the gift of salvation and know God’s wonderful plan for our lives.”
John 1:12 describes this for us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Acts 16:31 says it very clearly, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved!”
We can be saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
If you want to trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, say the following words to God. Saying these words will not save you, but trusting in Christ will! This prayer is simply a way to express to God your faith in him and thank him for providing for your salvation.
“God, I know that I have sinned against you and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that I deserve so that through faith in him I could be forgiven. I place my trust in you for salvation. Thank you for your wonderful grace and forgiveness – the gift of eternal life! Amen!”
This month we celebrate Easter. This blog is all about why there is a reason to celebrate. Be sure you follow the Roman road to salvation and read again the four spiritual laws. Then receive Jesus as your personal Savior and let him be the Lord over your life. Now you can celebrate with confidence knowing you are accepted by the Lord.
Until Next Time
John Marinelli, Author & Poet