changed on Monday, December 08, 2008 2:01:15 PM

[Matthew 9:13] "...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Jesus came to save sinners. They key word being "save". A person isn't saved from drowning, for example, unless they have been completely removed from the water, taken to a safe place AND revived. God isn't looking for you to ask for forgiveness, He's looking for you to stop sinning.

[Mark 1:15] "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

It's at hand. Many will tell you to simply believe in your heart or to repeat a prayer or that they will pray for you, but look where that has gotten you so far, still sinning. There's an expression that goes "I can do bad all by myself". You need the power of God. Your will power and people's encouragement will only get you to hold out for a little bit.

1)Believe the gospel [Mark 1:15] [John 8:24] [Romans 10:9]
2)Repent [Ezekiel 18:21] [Ezekiel 18:30]
3)Baptism in Jesus' name [Acts 2:38] [Acts 8:16]
4)Infilling of the Holy Ghost w/tongues [Acts 2:4] [Acts 10:46] [Acts 19:6]
5)Live holy always henceforth [Matthew 5:48] [1 Peter 1:16] [Titus 2:12] [1 Timothy 5:22]

Many fight against the above five and will advise you to as well. Before doing so as yourself this, "How can I deny doing something that is plainly written in the bible and expect to make it into heaven?".