Valley of Shadows

THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE — THE ROMANS ROAD Why We Need Jesus — Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 (KJV) Every one of us has sinned against God. No amount of good works can erase our sin or make us righteous before a holy God. We all need His mercy and forgiveness. The Consequence of Sin — Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (KJV) Sin brings death and separation from God, but God offers eternal life as a gift through Jesus Christ. We cannot earn this gift. It is made possible through what Jesus did for us. God’s Love Demonstrated — Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (KJV) God did not wait for us to become perfect. Jesus Christ died for sinners, taking upon Himself the judgment our sin deserved. He was buried and rose again, victorious over death. Our hope is in Him. Believe in Jesus Christ — Romans 10:9–10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” — Romans 10:9 (KJV) Salvation calls us to believe in the risen Lord Jesus Christ and confess Him as Lord. This is not merely believing that He existed; it is trusting Him and turning to Him in faith. We are saved by God’s grace, not by earning salvation through our own righteousness. Call Upon the Lord — Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV) God’s invitation is open to everyone who calls upon Him in faith. Come to Jesus honestly, confess your sin, turn from your old way of life, and trust Him as your Savior and Lord. A Prayer of Repentance and Faith There are no magic words that save you. Prayer is a way to express genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. If this reflects what you believe, you could pray: “God, I acknowledge that I have sinned against You and cannot save myself. I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. I turn away from my sin and place my trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. Please forgive me, change my heart, and teach me to follow You. Help me live according to Your Word. My hope is in Jesus Christ, not in my own goodness. Amen.” Your Next Step Following Jesus is more than saying a prayer. Read God’s Word, obey Christ, seek fellowship with a Bible-believing church, and continue growing in faith. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). You do not have to clean yourself up before coming to Jesus. Come to Him in repentance and faith, trusting in His finished work and the promises of God. Your eternal hope is found in Jesus Christ.