Christian in College

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Picture this: You are driving down the road and there are two cars in front of you. One has the license plate GOD and the other says Satan. God resides in Heaven while Satan is going to end up in Hell. Who are you going to follow? This is a very important question because in life, we really are making this choice. Who we follow affects where we will spend eternity. Not believing in Hell won’t change that. If I was on a road and said I don’t believe in trucks, I could still get hit by one! Since the reward if what I’m going to tell you about is true is so great and the punishment for being wrong to so terrible, it is something to consider even if you think what I am saying is false. So please listen.

You obviously would prefer to go to Heaven, so you choose to follow God. Let’s imagine that God is on an Interstate to Heaven. There are several exit ramps Satan wants you to take to get you off this road. Let’s see if in your life you have taken one of these exit ramps by breaking the 10 Commandments.

Exit 1

Have you ever put something before God: Television? A person? A game? Sex? Even church?

Exit 2

Have you made a god to suit yourself such as saying my god would never do that or have you worshiped an idol such as a celebrity?

Exit 3

Have you ever misused the name of God? This is like replacing a filthy word with the name God that gave you life.

Exit 4

God wants us to have a day every week set aside for him. Have you ever not given God the time and energy he deserves?

Exit 5

Have you ever not honored your parents?

Exit 6

God commands us not to murder people. He also says hate is to be a murderer in your heart. Have you ever been guilty of that?

Exit 7

Have you ever committed adultery? God says that whoever looks upon someone with lust has committed adultery in their heart.

Exit 8

Have you ever stolen something, even if it has a small value?

Exit 9

Have you ever lied?

Exit 10

Have you ever desired what belongs to other people (coveting)?

Have you ever taken one of these exit ramps?

Sin is the exit ramp that takes us off the interstate of following God. I took the exit ramp too. In fact everyone has. God says (Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. Sin is doing wrong, rebellion against God. Maybe you think you just sin a little and it is not big deal. You still consider yourself a “good person”. However, the Bible says in Matthew 5:48 “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’ None of us meet God’s standard. God tells us (through the Bible) that sin will be punished with death. Whoever breaks his law will die and spend eternity in hell. That means you and me. However, what if on your court date someone came in and paid your fine for you? You could be set free! That is what Jesus Christ did for you about two thousand years ago. God became a man named Jesus. He lived a life with no sin and he died in your place. God then rose from the grave and defeated death. He won’t force you to go to heaven though. The gift of eternal life is just like any other gift. You must receive it. Do you want to do that today? Do you believe that God sent his Son, Jesus, to pay for your sins and he rose from the dead? Are you willing to repent (turn away from sin)? If so, tell him! We call it praying, but it’s simply talking to God. Just talk to him respectfully like you do anyone else.  Here is an example prayer below based off of Psalm 51 from the Bible:

Dear God, have mercy on me according to your gracious love. Wash me clean from all of my sin. I know I have done great wrong and I am marked by sin. Though I may have hurt others, I mainly hurt you when I sinned. You would be fully just if you sent me to Hell. From birth until now I have committed sin after sin. I ask you to cleanse me whiter than snow. With the blood of Jesus, blot out my sin from your records. I pray to be close to you. I ask for the Holy Spirit to come into me. Make me born again – a completely new person. Then I will tell others about you and plead to them to come to repentance as I am doing now. You are the God of my salvation. You are Holy! You are wonderful! Thank you for sending Jesus as the perfect sacrifice that was the final payment for sin. May my life now be a living sacrifice for you. Thank you God. Amen!

There is nothing magical about those specific words, but if those words were an outpouring of your heart then you are now ready to live your life as a new creation. The price for your sin has been payed and you asked God for that wonderful gift. Keep your promise to God and flee from sin. To talk to someone about your decision, or to talk to someone about beginning a saving relationship with Jesus call 1-888-JESUS-20.  You may be in Heaven with God when you die if you are saved, but that is just extra. God wants to transform you right here on Earth. To grow to be a strong Christian:

• Read the Bible.
• Join a local Bible believing church.
• Be baptized by immersion – Ask your local church to do this.
• Tell people of your decision and go out spreading the good news.
• If you would like, please encourage me by telling me about your decision at JRG39402@yahoo.com.

Related posts:

1. Heaven and Hell
2. A Sinner's Prayer of Repentance and Faith
3. You need a Savior
4. Wishy-Washy Christians
5. Another Chat with a Missionary