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NASB | Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; |
Bible Question: At 18 I accepted Christ as my Savior. I am now 31 in the time in between I have been in and out of churches. I do not have a church home. I love Christian music, I read the daily bread almost everyday, I know who Christ is and believe in him. I do not have a so called "personal relationship" with him that I hear so much about. Does this mean I will not go to heaven? |
Bible Answer: Like you, I accepted Christ when I was 17. If you believe in Christ (with your head), what is keeping you from accepting Him in your heart? (The New Birth), meaning you will have a "personal relationship" with Christ when you are born again. John chapter 3 is written about Nicodemus - a religious leader in his community. Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again by the Spirit of God. Ask yourself, "Is there anything at this point in my life that would keep me from accepting Christ in my HEART? If there isn't anything that would stop you, Pray this prayer: "Father, God - I believe in my heart that Christ your Son gave His life in my place. I accept His love and His death to pay for every sin that I have committed in your sight. I cannot save myself - I accept that fact. Christ is the only payment for my sins. I now ask Christ to come into my life, take care of the sin in my life, and make me the kind of person you want me to be. Thank you! Thank You, Jesus - you took my place, you paid the penalty of sin that I owed! Amen. God Bless you in your "New Birth" HHannaJr - Birmingham, AL |