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bigmike

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22 (NLT)
Because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross, everything you’ve ever done wrong is forgiven. God forgives you freely, completely, instantly, and repeatedly when you confess your sin to him and repent.
Even if there were no such thing as heaven (but of course there is), it would be worth believing in Jesus just to get a clear conscience. I’ve talked to thousands of people, and I know that most people are carrying secret guilt, secret regrets, and secret shame. You can be completely forgiven of those things!
Romans 3:22 says, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are” (NLT).
I love that last part. It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or who you’ve done it with—how long you did it or where you did it—you can be saved. You can be forgiven. Everything is forgiven when you trust in Jesus Christ.
Everyone is going through something right now. You may be going through days of darkness and depression and doubt and despair. If that’s you, I dare you to believe.
You may be going through days of worry and weariness. I dare you to believe.
You may be going through days of confusion. You don’t have the slightest idea what you should be doing with your life or what direction you should be going. You don’t even know the next step to take. I dare you to believe.
You may be going through days of grief, and your heart has been torn wide open. I dare you to believe.
“To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12 ESV).
Whatever you are going through, run to God, not away from him. Believe in him, and you will find the comfort you need that you won’t find anywhere else. It comes from knowing you are totally accepted, totally loved, and totally forgiven—no matter who you are.
Talk It Over
Why do people find it so difficult to trust and accept God’s offer of salvation and grace?
What does it mean to be “made right” with God?
Who in your life needs to hear and be encouraged by Romans 3:22?
No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.
Trust in God’s character and the grace he extends. Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you. Claim the promise of Jesus, that salvation is free and open to anyone who turns from their sins and agrees to follow him as their Lord and Savior. Humbly ask God to accept you into his forever family.
Are you ready? Then start your journey by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.
“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.
“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

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