Psalm 51:5 declares: Surely I have been a sinner from birth," and Romans 3:23 says: "There is none righteous, no not one."

Centuries ago, after sin entered the world, God gave a command saying: "The soul that sins, it shall die." -- Ezekiel 13:20.

God did not want to bring such awful judgment on all mankind, so Jesus stepped forward as our Savior to die in our place! What amazing love! Romans 5:8 says that God proved His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! How amazing!

Sin always separates a person from God.   That is why we must confess and forsake it.   "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23.   "And the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."   Romans 6:23.

*  Next, we must REPENT! This is the key to receiving life and forgiveness. Since everyone is born with a sin-nature, then sinning is to us what flying is to a bird or swimming is to a fish.   It is our nature and it will control us until we have our nature changed.   Only God can do that ... but not until we repent and reject sin.

Repentance means much more than just being sorry that we were caught. It means being truly sorry that we ever sinned in the first place. It involves not only a change of mind, but also of attitude. 1John 1:9 reveals that genuine repentance brings forgiveness.

Luke 18 tells of two men who were praying. One was proud and gladly gave God a nice report of his good works.   The other one knew that whatever good works he had done could never wash away his sin, and he bowed low in prayer and said: "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."   Scripture states that only the second man went home justified.   Because ... "Everyone who exalts themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

*  RECEIVE JESUS -- into your heart ... as your own personal Lord and Savior.   We read in John 1:12: "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."   Then, in chapter 14, verse 6, Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth, and the life.   No one comes to the Father, except through me."

Also, in Acts 4:12 we read: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

1 John 5;11-12 puts it clearly: "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His son.   Those who have the Son have life, but those who do not have the Son of God do not have life."

God is able and eager to hear from you right now if you will simply open your heart to God and invite Jesus to come in to your life and be your Savior.

If you have never done so before, please don't put it off any longer. Do it today!

*  REJOICE!   If you have confessed your sins and repented and asked Jesus to come into your heart, then you have reason to rejoice!   Because, when Jesus becomes your Savior and the Lord of your life, you are cleansed, forgiven, and brought into God's eternal family!

That is what actually happens!   From now on, Jesus, the very Son of God will intercede for you at the Throne in Heaven (Hebrews 7:25).   Then, whenever Satan tries to accuse you before our Heavenly Father, Jesus will step up and be your personal, all-powerful spokesman, your attorney, and your defender.

Whenever Satan wants to single you out and say, "Now look at what you've done!" ...

Jesus will say, "Yes, but look at what I did for him on Calvary!

Of course, this means that the moment we might slip into sin, we need to immediately confess that sin and repent of it.   Then God's great forgiveness is automatic.

Now, consider a few suggestions on how to live this wonderful new life:

*  READ YOUR BIBLE ... and spend time talking with God in prayer, every day.   Keep your prayers plain and simple.   You don't need any fancy words.   Just be yourself, but of course be respectful and honor and express your love for Him.   Tell God about the challenges that you are facing.   He already knows, but He wants you and each of us to express our dependence -- our reliance upon Him -- to do His will and not seek to do our own will.   Quietly sing a praise song to Him in worship.   Claim the promises that you read in the Bible, for yourself and for your loved ones. Request God's help in understanding the Bible.   Ask Him for His wisdom and guidance in every day living.   Lean on Him for patience, strength, courage, health, and for your material needs.   Tell Him everything -- including your temptations and weaknesses.   And thank Him for the ways in which He provides for you and enables you to serve Him.

God loves to be in continuous fellowship with you.   He wants to be your personal friend.   2 Peter 3:18 tells us to "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

*  REACH OUT to other believers ... for encouragement and fellowship. Find a good, God-exalting church and attend regularly.   All churches are not the same, and none are perfect. Just be sure that the church you attend honors the Lord Jesus Christ, upholds the truth of the Bible, and is devoted to prayer.   Remember the instruction found in Hebrews 10:25 -- "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing; but let us encourage one another, and all the more, as you see the Day [of reckoning] approaching."

We all need the encouragement and friendship of other believers.   This has a stabilizing effect on our lives and keeps us strong in the Lord.   Seriously consider being baptized as a public testimony of your faith in Jesus Christ.   Ask God to help you know the best ways that you can help and support whatever local church you attend.

*  RESIST TEMPTATION Be forewarned: You will still be tempted, just like everyone else.   Don't be shocked by that, but be prepared.   Even Jesus Himself was sorely tempted. (See Matthew Chapter 4).   But He conquered every temptation and remained pure!   You can too.

Now that Christ lives in you, be sure to ask Him each day to make you strong in maintaining a clean life.   He is infinitely greater than the evil one that tempts us! 1 John 4:4 says: "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."   That is a very good verse to memorize, keep in your mind, and repeat often.

Looking ahead into what God has promised us, we can be sure that as long as we are obedient and faithful to Him, we will someday be rewarded beyond measure.   We know this is true because Colossians 1:27 tells us plainly: "Christ within us [is] our hope of glory."

*  RUN TO CHRIST ... any time you find yourself tempted or overtaken by sin.   Immediately and humbly confess to Him that you stumbled.   Ask for His forgiveness, and for His courage to straighten out whatever you might need to do to rectify things.

Remember, God understands, and He never stops loving you!   He promises: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us for our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.   We have a wonderful Lord.