The story of how I became a believer
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Mathew. 22:29)
The humble beginning of my life of faith, but not insignificant, happened like this ...
I bent my knee before Jesus Christ with the preacher and received the grace of God. I went to believers' baptism and Jesus Christ sealed me with His Spirit as His own, when I earnestly asked God for it in the name of Jesus Christ.
So, what really happened to me?
It all started with me wanting to be saved, at the moment when God through His Holy Spirit drew me to repentance - the timing, the desire to be saved, was right because if I had rejected the Holy Spirit's offer, I might have lost my search time for a long time or even forever.
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Repenting, going to believers' baptism and receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, i.e. the death struggle of my own self, takes longer for some people than others.
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I stated that I am suitable for Jesus as I am. I also stated that my own "abilities" do not matter because the atoning work of Jesus Christ is valid in any case. Wau.
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When I was told the scripture John 6:37; I realized that I had come to Jesus Christ, who does not cast anyone out.
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It was amazing to hear that sins do not have to be believed to be forgiven, but are forgiven by believing in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 10:42,43)
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I believed in my heart that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am one.
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I also believed that Jesus died for the sins of people.
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The preacher proclaimed to me the forgiveness of sins in the blood of Jesus Christ. Wau!
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I was told that I did not have to exert myself to become a child of God - but I could receive it by believing in the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. (John 1:12)
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I am born again and receive divine power every day for everything that is needed for earthly life and godliness. (1 Peter 1:3-5)
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From the Bible I understood that living out my faith, publicly and verbally confessing the Lordship of Jesus Christ before this temporal world and the spiritual world, is an absolute prerequisite for my salvation. (Rom. 10:9,10)
Remember these four things - Live in them!
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The congregational communion of believers, prayer, reading the Bible (i.e. knowing God's will) and confession of personal faith.
Be Blessed!
Pardoned Sinner, Jukka Mäkinen
