Getting To Know God

Knowing God

Often well-intended individuals insert stipulations for salvation that become obstacles. A hardened and desperate prison official demonstrates the simplicity of knowing God by faith.
On the apostle Paul’s second missionary journey he visited Philippi, the city named after Alexander the Great’s father. In that renown city, Paul commanded (in the name of Jesus) that a spirit of divination leave a slave-girl who gained profit for her masters by fortune-telling. When her masters realized their hope of profit ceased, they compelled the magistrates to beat and incarcerate Paul and Silas. Around midnight the pair started praying and singing hymns of praise to God. Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, shaking the prison’s foundation, opening the doors, and loosening their chains. When the jailer awoke, noticing the prison doors open, he drew his sword to kill himself. However, Paul yelled, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” After the jailer brought the lights, confirming the presence of the prisoners, he fell at the feet of Paul and Silas. He asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They respond to the jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Salvation is simply by faith.

Confess Sins

Many people cry and make a profession of faith in Jesus but will not forsake their sin. Make certain your desire to trust Christ for access to heaven comes from authentic faith. Hebrews 11:6 explains, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Pray and repent of your sins by faith. Repent means to “change your mind.” The Bible states in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Any offense you committed receives the covering of God’s forgiveness.

Profession of Faith

After confession of sin make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. Romans 10:9-10 says, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” By asking God to save you from the eternal wrath against sin the Lord will save you according to your faith. The Bible tell us “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). We rejoice with the angels for your decision to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation.