Many people strive to make a name for themselves. A person's name symbolizes not only what they have accomplished in their lifetime, but it also reveals their character, whether good or bad. The Bible states, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. . ." (Proverbs 22:1). In fact, GOD values HIS name so much that HE gave the following command: "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy GOD in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes HIS name in vain." (Exodus 20:7).
The Bible is the record of GOD's love for mankind. Throughout the Bible, many names referring to GOD are given, and each name gives a different aspect of GOD's character. For instance, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE." These names refer to the precious SON of GOD, and each name gives a glimpse of GOD's character.
Not only does the Bible show the character of GOD, but it also reveals the depravity of man. Romans 3:12 states, ". . .there is none that does good, no, not one." "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23). Your sin has earned spiritual death, separation from a HOLY GOD, and an eternity in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death . . ." (Romans 6:23a). "And death and hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire." (Revelation 20:14-15).
The Good News is that GOD's love for you gives you a way of escape. This way is revealed in HIS name. Matthew 1:21 states, "And she shall bring forth a SON, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS: for HE shall save HIS people from their sins." GOD loves you so much that HE sent HIS SON to pay the penalty for your sins. "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8). JESUS' death on the cross paid your sin debt in full, if you will only believe in HIM. JESUS stated in John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, HE that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
The Bible was ". . .written, that ye might believe that JESUS is the CHRIST, the SON of GOD; and that believing ye might have life through HIS name." (John 20:30-31). There is no other way to obtain salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12). Doing good deeds will not earn your salvation. GOD said, "He that believes on HIM is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten SON of GOD." (John 3:18). GOD's WORD gives us the Gospel in 1st.Corinthians 15:1-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:"
Obtaining salvation and an eternity in Heaven is so simple. GOD gives you this promise: "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. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-13).
If it is your desire to be saved, please pray this simple prayer or one like it with all your heart:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
What's in a name ? Philippians 2:9-11 says that the name of JESUS is ". . .above every name: That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow . . .And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER." One day, you will believe in GOD, but will you be too late ? Please do not take your salvation lightly ! Trust in CHRIST today ! ". . .BEHOLD ! NOW is the accepted time; BEHOLD ! NOW is the day of salvation." (2nd.Corinthians 6:2b).
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
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