You are cordially invited to join the family of God and to enjoy all its benefits for now and eternity. R.S.V.P.
Did you know that God has already sent a special invitation to you? He doesn't require that you dress up to approach Him or turn over a new leaf to impress Him. You can come just as you are. Yet this is the most important invitation you will ever receive.
The Bible gives God's open invitation: "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). Jesus Himself invites you, "Come unto me, ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ( Matthew 11:28).
Are you afraid to come to Him, fearful that you won't measure up? The truth is, He already knows each of us inside and out--our strengths and potential, our fears and weaknesses. He also knows all the things that we would like to hide from Him...and from the rest of the world! Yet God, who is totally pure and holy and who hates our sins, still loves us. He wants us to turn in belief to Him "from darkness to light... that [we] may receive forgiveness of sins" (Acts 26:18). Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
To make forgiveness possible while still meeting the demands of justice, God's perfect Son, Jesus Christ, died in our place. We no longer have to suffer the punishment we deserve for our sins. Instead, Jesus promises that "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath eternal life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24), from sin's darkness to God's eternal light!
God invites you to enjoy new life in His family, beginning the moment you trust Him as your Savior: "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name" (John 1:12). Will you receive Him into your life now--or will you risk missing all He offers you for eternity?
God is inviting you. How will you respond?
About the Author: TED GRIFFIN is a former editor at Crossway Books and the author of numerous tracts, including the bestselling You're Special.
