Have You Had An Experience With God?

I was reminded of something earlier today that I want to share. A few years ago, I helped to frame a message one of my former pastors wrote with the title above. It referenced the necessity of really having a real experience with God before we could ever really realize what our salvation means. Yes, we can have someone witness to us, they can take us down the Roman Road. We can even hear testimonies of other people who have similar life experiences like we have had. All of that is good, but it does not necessarily mean that we comprehend what it really means to be forgiven by someone who paid the price for our sin.

Unless we understand that we really are in need of a savior, we can’t comprehend the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us to be acquitted before a holy God. It is not enough to say the sinner’s prayer, or to mimic good church people who appear to be living a good life. None of us can live a life good enough to eradicate the cost of our sin:

For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP)

As we search the scriptures we see further response about what some would do even for good men:

Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die. But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him. Romans 5:8-9 (AMP)

We are all guilty of original sin – we all stand in need of s Savior. While some come to understand this either through their lack of good deeds; there are others of us who think our good deeds somehow give us a pass. Here is where the love of God and the mercy of God comes in. As we pray, God draws those we pray for to Him through His love. In this drawing, there are experiences they may have that highlight their need for someone outside of ourselves who can do for them what no one else can do. At this point they have a decision to make. What I was reminded of today is the prayers that I should be praying for my loved ones who are avoiding a full surrender to Christ, is not to listen to me, but to pray that they have a real life experience with God. I was reminded that He, who made them, knows how to get their attention.

What a relief to know that my God not only hears my prayers, but has a plan in answering them. My job is to remain steadfast in prayer.

Maria

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