Knowing Christ

When Adam and Eve made their decision to disobey God and eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they broke their covenant (spiritual agreement) with Him. This decision and action resulted in all mankind being sinful and out of agreement with God.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Because of God's grace and unconditional love, He has sought to restore that covenant relationship with man since that time. He has also given us the freedom to choose whether we continue not to live in unity (sin) or in covenant (spiritual unity) with Him. Since we are not able to restore that covenant on our own, God sent His son, Jesus, to pay for our sins by dying on the cross and rising again in order for us to be in covenant.

Keys to Knowing God

God wants you to know Him and experience His love:

God loves you and wants the very best for you.
"I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11

The only thing that keeps you from experiencing God's love is your sin. (Sin is "going your own way" and falling short of God's will for your life.)
"Your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden His face from you." Is. 59:2

The key to knowing God is to receive Jesus and the forgiveness He offers.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me." Jn. 14:6
Jesus paid the penalty for your sin when He shed His blood on the cross. He died and rose again so that He could bring you into a relationship with God.

Receiving Jesus involves turning from your sin and receiving the forgiveness Jesus provides. When you do that, God sends His Spirit to dwell in your heart and make you a new person.
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God." Jn. 1:12

You receive Jesus through faith. Faith can be expressed in a simple prayer like this:

"Lord Jesus, I need You. I now turn from my sins and receive Your forgiveness. Please send Your Spirit to live within me so I can know You and be all that You want me to be. I thank You now, by faith, that You have forgiven all my sins and brought me into a relationship with You!"