Anyone who has ever traveled understands that there are several different routes and modes of transportation that one is able to take to his destination. You can take different airlines through many airports. You can take a train through the countryside. You can take the interstate highway system. You can travel a scenic route through unfrequented terrain. You can set your GPS to avoid all toll roads and traffic.


We like the ability to choose our way.


True, we may have the ability to choose how we wish to worship, but there is only one Way we can go to Heaven. Jesus Christ states in John 14:6 - I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. We may think we can be a good person, do good deeds, or even attend church to be able to enter into the gates of Heaven when we die; but, the Bible gives us the only road map able to be traveled down in order to one day spend eternity with the Lord in Heaven. Here are the truths that we must understand to know God’s way:


1. REALIZE THAT YOU ARE A SINNER

Most think that they are a good person. No matter how good you think you are, no one is “good enough.” God says that we are all sinners - “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is disobedience towards God. Lying, cheating, stealing, blasphemy, adultery, drunkenness, lust, pride, anger, and envy are al sins in God’s eyes. Everyone in this world has disobeyed God. Because of our sin, we come short of Heaven (the glory of God)!


2. REALIZE THAT THERE IS A PENALTY FOR SIN

Not only are we all sinners, but there is a penalty for our sin. Romans 6:23a says, “For the wages of sin is death...”. Sin brings a physical and spiritual death (Hell). “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:14).


3. REALIZE THAT JESUS PAID YOUR PENALTY

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ paid the way for you to go to Heaven. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). Jesus, “who did no sin” (I Peter 2:22), was the only One who could pay for our sin. Jesus is the only Way!


4. REPENT & RECEIVE JESUS AS YOUR SAVIOR

Acts 20:21 says, “Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” To “repent” is to realize in your heart that you have sinned and need a Savior. To “receive Jesus Christ” is to, by faith, accept Him as the payment for your sins. It is the only way! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). To accept Jesus, you must believe what He has said it takes to be ready for eternity. Then you must call on Him in a prayer similar to this:


“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sin and take me to Heaven when I die. I believe that you died, was buried, and rose again to pay for my sin. I am trusting in you completely. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen.”


If you have made the decision to trust and accept Christ as your Savior, then praise the Lord! We want to share this joy with you and help you begin growing in your new-found Christian life. Please join us at North Gainesville Baptist Church for our Sunday School hour, Sunday morning and evening services, and our Wednesday evening service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Church Office.