Who is Jesus? 

Jesus is the most remarkable Man who ever lived. There is no dispute that Jesus was a historical figure, and our calendars (BC/AD) and civilisation are built upon His life and message. Jesus is the Son of God. Some people think He is just a ‘good religious teacher’. However, that suggestion does not fit with the facts.

1. He claimed He was God (John 10:30; "I and the Father are one")

2. His character was perfect (Hebrews 4:15; "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.")

3. He conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57; “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.")

Why did He come?

He came for you. He came ‘to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45). 

Jesus is the only man who has ever chosen to be born and he is one of the few who has chosen to die. He said that the entire reason for his coming was to die for us.

From what we know of crucifixion, it was one of the cruellest forms of execution. Cicero described it as ‘the most cruel and hideous of tortures’. Jesus would have been flogged with a whip of several strands of leather weighted with pieces of metal and bones. According to Eusebius, a third-century historian, ‘The sufferer’s veins were laid bare, and the very muscles, sinews and bowels of the victim were opened to exposure.’ Jesus was then forced to carry a six-foot cross beam until he collapsed. When he reached the site of execution, six-inch nails were hammered through his wrists and feet as he was nailed to the cross. He was left to hang for hours in excruciating pain. 

Yet, the New Testament makes it clear that there was something worse for Jesus than the physical and emotional pain; this was the spiritual anguish of being separated from God as He carried all our sins. 

Why did He die? 

He died for you. Paul wrote of ‘the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me’ (Galatians 2:20)

Jesus said He died ‘for’ us. The word ‘for’ means ‘instead of’. He did it because He loved us and did not want us to have to pay the penalty for all the things that we had done wrong. On the cross He was effectively saying, ‘I will take all those things on myself.’ He did it for you and he did it for me. If you or I had been the only person in the world he would have done it for us. It was out of love for us that he gave his life as a ransom. The word ‘ransom’ comes from the slave market. A kind person might buy a slave to set him free – but first the ransom price had to be paid. Jesus paid, by his blood on the cross, the ransom price to set us free.

What do we have to do?

To be made whole, or to be saved is to submit to God and His plan and purpose for our lives. It is a turning from our old ways and turning to Jesus, to ask Him for forgiveness from our sins and to give us new life in Him.

The New Testament makes it clear that we have to do something to accept the gift that God offers. This is an act of faith. John writes that ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). 

The Bible tells us in the New Testament what we need to do:

1. Say sorry to Jesus (repent) for the sin and bad things in your life

2. Say thank you to Jesus for dying for your sins and giving you a new start

3. Believe and declare that Jesus is Lord and the Son of God

You could pray...

Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life (take a few moments to ask His forgiveness for anything particular that is on your conscience). Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Spirit. I now receive that gift. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me forever. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Congratulations! To pray these words with a surrendered heart to Jesus is the beginning of the most important voyage you will ever embark on: the journey to follow Jesus. Please let us know if you’ve just made a commitment to Jesus and prayed this prayer by completing the form here.

What now?

1. Tell someone

 It is important to tell someone in order to underline the decision you have made. Often it is only when you tell someone else that it becomes a reality to you. It is probably best to start by telling someone who you think will be pleased to hear the news.

Baptism is part of this step. When people in the New Testament decided to follow Jesus, it says they repented and were baptised. At King's Church International we run regular baptismal services. Find out more about those here.

2. Read the Bible

Once we have received Jesus and put our trust in him we become children of God (John 1:12). 

He is our heavenly Father. Like any father he wants us to have a close relationship with him. We develop this relationship as we listen to him (primarily through the Bible) and as we speak to him in prayer. The Bible is the Word of God and you might find it helpful to begin by reading a few verses of John’s gospel every day. Ask God
to speak to you as you read. 

The Bible is not just any old book. It is the most popular Book in the world; so much so that it isn't allowed to be included in Best-Seller Lists. It would simply always win! As well as buying a physical copy of scripture (highly recommended) you can download the YouVersion Bible App, or the KCI Mobile App to take part in the Bible In One Year readings. With just 15 minutes or so per day, you can read the whole Bible in 12 months time.

3. Start to speak to God each day in prayer

Start with Matthew 6:9-13; “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." This is a structure given by Jesus to show you how to pray for the most important things.

You could also come along to our Thursday night prayer meetings to grow in your walk with God.

4. Join a lively church

It is important to be part of a group of Christians who get together to worship God, to hear what God is saying to them, to encourage one another and to make friends. Church should be an exciting place! The Bible says that the early church met 'in homes' and 'in public places'. This should be modelled in local churches, and at King's Church International there are both small groups and services.

All of these steps are covered as part of our termly Life Class course.