Because of Christ's death every person has the opportunity to be
born again.

Are you a Christian? It is vitally important to know. Church
membership is honorable, and doing good deeds is worthy of praise.
But the soul-
searching question still remains: Are you really a born again
Christian?
Jesus said, "Expect a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God" (John3:3)

A born-again Christian is one who yields himself completely to
Christ. This is necessary to inherit eternal life. When Jesus told
Nicodemus that he needed to be born again, Nicodemus did not
understand. Then Jesus used the illustration of the wind. Even
though we don't fully comprehend how it blows, and we can see its
effect. So it is when a person is born again. We
cannot understand how it happens, but we see and feel the results.

Many people who claim to be Christians are ignorant of this new
birth, while others try to receive it their own way. It cannot be
obtained by good works, joining a religious organization, or merely
turning over a new leaf. It takes a repentant heart, a godly sorrow
for the sins one has committed, and turning away from all sin. Then
by faith one must reach out to God for mercy and forgiveness, and
claim His promise of pardon. One can know personally what it means
to be born again. A prayer such as the publican prayed "God be mercy
a sinner" will bring the Lord's forgiveness. The Bible says the
publican was justified (Luke 18:13, 14).

Some may feel they have committed only little sins and do not need
to be justified. Because Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden,
the entire human family became sinners by birth and need to repent.
However, God provided the plan so that all can be saved. Jesus,
God's Son, died in our place that we might have forgiveness for our
sins through His blood
(Colossians 1:14).

Because of Christ's death, every person has the opportunity to be
pardoned. No one is held under the bondage of sin and condemnation
without a chance of becoming a child of God. Jesus shed His blood
that
all might be redeemed.

The gap between the sinner and the savior must be spanned by faith
in God. Faith believes what God says. In Hebrews 11:6 we read, "He
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a
rewarder of them
that diligently seek him". Jesus said, "For God so love the world,
that he gave his begotten son, that whosever believeth in him should
not perish,
but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Faith reaches out so a
person can experience saving grace through the redeeming power of
Christ.

The first step toward forgiveness is realizing the need for it. The
bible says that all have sinned. "If we say that we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I
John 1:8,9). Many feel they are too weak to overcome sin. In their
own power
they are, but when one is born again, his life is changed. God give
him the
power to have victory over sin. Then he can say like Paul the
Apostle,
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, Who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans
8:1)
When you repent and ask God to forgive you, His Spirit will witness
with your spirit that you a child of God (Roman 8:16). You will know
that you have been pardoned. The peace, joy, and love of God will
fill your heart, and you will feel a sacred fellowship with Him. As
you keep living in the will of God, your life will be a testimony
that you are a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many were defeated, the picture of despair, when they came to God.
Some were hopelessly bound by crime, immorality, drugs, or alcohol.
But God delivered them instantly. Even their countenance was changed
when they repented with an honest heart. Others were so self-
righteous, proud, moral, and kind that they didn't see their need
for salvation. Yet when these self-righteous ones saw their need and
repented, God made just as great a change in their lives.

While most people are saved in church, you can save anywhere. People
have been saved in their homes, alone in the woods, or walking among
the crowd. Others have knelt in a prison cell. God requires only an
honest heart. "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be
saved"
(Acts 2:21)

Do not think you have strayed too far in sin to receive this
salvation. Whatever your condition, Jesus is able and eager to save
you. He says, "Whosever will, let him take of the water of life
freely" (Revelation 22:17).
In place of word "whosoever" you can write your own name.

If you desire to be saved, God will never turn you away. Jesus
said, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John
6:37). All you need to do is meet the conditions God has laid down
in His Word. Pray with an honest heart, Lord, I am sinner and I need
forgiveness. Have mercy upon me and I will serve you the rest of my
life." A sincere prayer like that will receive an answer. When you
receive that born-again experience your name will be written in
Heaven, and you will have the hope of eternal life.
Will you call upon God now? "To day if ye will hear his voice,
harden not your heart" (Psalm 95:7, 8). Invite Him into your heart
and find pardon.