How can you know God? The Bible teaches us that no one can reach up to heaven and connect with God on their own. Man is separated from God by his sins, or the wrong things he has done against God and others. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God ” (Romans 3:23) and that the “wages” or payment “of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This means that all people are facing death, which is spiritual death or eternal separation from God, as a punishment for their sins. The Bible describes this eternal separation from God as hell.  

However, God, in his great love for us, has reached down from heaven to connect with us. What we cannot do for ourselves, He sent His Son Jesus to do for us. Jesus came to earth 2,000 years ago, fulfilling many prophecies and doing many miracles and good works. However, the most important thing he did was dying on a cross. Although He lived a perfect, sinless life, His death was a payment for the sins of the world. "God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Jesus Himself tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16) Later in the same passage, the scripture says again, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life…"

As these scriptures tell us, eternal life is available, but only to those who believe in Jesus. Each person must put their faith in Jesus Christ. The first step is repentance, or turning away from sin. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Confessing our sins means to admit we are wrong before God and ask for his forgiveness.

We also must believe in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

So, if you believe in Jesus and want to receive the forgiveness and life He offers, you can ask Him through a simple prayer -- “Jesus, I know I have sinned against you and broken your laws. Please forgive me. I believe that you lived, died and rose from the dead and ask you to come into my life. I profess my faith in you and will follow you for as long as I live. Thank you for forgiving me and making me part of the family of God.”