ABOUT ETERNAL LIFE

What It Means to Follow Jesus

Understanding the Gospel — and Responding in Faith

My friend, have you given your life to the Lord? Are you confident that if you were to die right now, you would go straight to heaven? If not, please let me tell you how you can be saved, on the authority of the Word of God.

• Acknowledge the Truth About Sin

Every one of us has missed the mark.
We were made to walk with God — but we’ve all gone our own way.
The Bible calls that sin. And sin isn’t just a mistake — it’s a separation.

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

“There is none righteous, no, not one.”
— Romans 3:10

Sin is an offense against God that carries a serious cost:

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— Romans 6:23

• Abandon Self-Sufficiency

Trying harder can’t fix what’s broken.
Good works, moral living, or church attendance — while important — cannot save us. If we could earn heaven, Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary!

The Bible says it is:

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
— Titus 3:5

“By grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9

Salvation isn’t something you achieve — it’s something you receive.

• Accept What Jesus Has Done for You

God didn’t leave us in our sin.
He sent His only Son — Jesus Christ — to take our place.
On the cross, Jesus paid our penalty and opened the door to new life.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8

“The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
— 1 John 1:7

Jesus did for you what you could never do for yourself.

• Answer His Invitation

The Gospel is a gift — but like any gift, it must be received.
Receiving Christ means turning from sin (repentance) and trusting Him fully (faith).
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about giving your heart to the One who does.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”
— Acts 16:31

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
— Romans 10:13

Would You Like to Begin That Relationship Now?

You can call out to God right now — wherever you are.
Here’s a prayer to help guide your heart if you’re ready:

“Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner, and I can’t save myself.
But I believe You love me. I believe Jesus died for me and rose again.
I turn from my sin now and trust You to save me — to forgive me, change me, and lead me.
I give You my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

What Now?

If you just placed your trust in Christ through this prayer today, please contact us and let us know — or if you’re still exploring, here are some important next steps:

• Tell someone.
  Let a trusted Christian friend or pastor know.

• Start reading the Bible.
  Begin with the Gospel of John and ask God to speak to you.

• Find a Bible-teaching church.
  You weren’t meant to walk this journey alone.

• Keep growing.
  Let this be the first step in a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

Second Baptist would love to be your church home!

Let’s walk this journey together! Come find out more as we Love, Build, and Reach for Christ.

Pastor, Larry Davis

Second Baptist Church

Love. Build. Reach.