January-February 1999

Will You Say Yes?

by Luis Palau

Did you know that four out of five people in America say they're Christians? That's the latest word from pollster George Gallup, Jr. But what Gallup didn't ask was, "What does it take to make someone a Christian?"

If going to chapel, receiving a sacrament, believing in God, praying and reading the Bible doesn't qualify anyone to be a Christian, then what does?

Christ Loves You

A few years ago, while visiting a nation regarded as one of America's allies, I privately spoke with the president-a military man. "Mr. President," I asked, "are you a Christian? Do you know Jesus Christ?"

The president smiled and said, "Palau, I've led such a hard life that I don't think God wants to know me very much."

"Mr. President, no matter what you've done, Christ loves you. If you want to know him you can meet him right now."

As we continued to talk, I explained what Christ had done on the cross, how he died to receive the punishment that should be ours for the wrong we have done. I said, "Sir, would you like to receive Christ now?"

He said, "If Christ will receive me, I want to become a real Christian."

Right then, we prayed together. When we finished praying, he stood up and said, "Thank you. Now I know that Christ has received me and forgiven me."

You, too, can receive Christ. It doesn't matter what you've done. Jesus is ready to stamp your record "cleared of all charges" if you accept him.

Admit, Believe and Express

The Bible teaches that all you have to do is, first, admit that your sins have separated you from God. Have you ever admitted to the Lord those things in your life that hurt him-selfishness, pride, immorality and all the rest?

The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23) and, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). That includes you and me.

Secondly, we must believe what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. The Bible says, "Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18).

When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he took all the punishment we deserved for all the wrong we have done. If that seems hard to comprehend, it is. It would be like a judge finding a defendant guilty, willingly taking the defendant's place and receiving the sentence himself. That's exactly what Jesus has done for us. What magnificent love!

The final step each of us must take is to express our belief that Jesus Christ is Lord.

It's not enough to say, "My parents were fine Christians." All of us who belong to Christ have to come for ourselves. Have you ever made that decision?

You ask, "How?" The Bible says: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9-10).

Lord of Your Life

The best way I know to make Jesus the Lord of your life is to admit your sins to God in prayer, by faith open your heart to Christ, believe in him and receive him.

If that's your decision, then tell God now -- silently if you wish -- right where you are. You may wish to use this prayer: "Heavenly Father, I want to be a real Christian. I realize that my sins have separated me from you. Please forgive me. I believe in what Christ did for me on the cross. I don't completely understand it, but I accept it by faith. I want to be a child of yours. Please come into my life, Lord Jesus, and make me your child right now. I'll follow you and obey you forever. Amen."

Copyright ©1997 Luis Palau

If you have just prayed this prayer and committed your life to Jesus Christ, or if you would like further information on knowing Christ, please write us at Plain Truth. We look forward to hearing from you.

Luis Palau's latest books, The Moment to Shout, and The Schemer and the Dreamer, are available in bookstores this month.

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