How to know Jesus

          Our God, who loves us so much that sent His Son, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that we could be righteous. As we are led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our that we are sinners, repent, that means turn away from, our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified.  Justification is, just as if I never sinned.  We are adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from being ruled by sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified.  Sanctification is literally to be made Holy, or the process thereof.  The Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life.  Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment.  Here are the texts that show this:

          (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

          Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience

(Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)

          All this comes simply, by faith, asking Jesus to be Lord of our Lives, asking Him into our hearts, confessing our sins, and believing His promise.  "I will never leave you, nor forsake you".  He took what we deserve, so we can have what He deserves.

: ^ )~