or what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36 KJV
God desires not only that you be healthy. Far more important than that, our Creator desires for you to be whole. Complete. Connected to Him.
Here is the most important self-examination question in all of life.
Are you saved?
The question is not “Are you a church member?” Nor is it “Are you a good person?”
I’m asking, are you whole? Are you complete? Are you connected to God?
If you are not, and you want to be, you can be. Right now.
Salvation and security are available to you, and God’s plan is simple.
Admit
First beloved, you must recognize and admit that you are a sinner in need of a savior. We all are.
As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Sin means missing the mark defined by God. It is a refusal to acknowledge God’s authority over our lives. Sin includes doing “wrong” as well as failure to do things that are “right.” Sin is not restricted to action; it affects our mind and the condition of our hearts. We all have thoughts, urges, words, and actions that are harmful, hurtful, unloving, and displeasing to God. Sin affects us all.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
The result of sin is spiritual death—separation from God. God loves the world and desires a personal relationship with each person. He is also holy, perfect, and righteous, and sin is contrary to His nature.
Admitting sin is the first step in the turn from sin and self towards God (repentance).
Believe
Second, believe in Jesus and accept His forgiveness for sin.
For 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
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 1 Corinthians 5:21
God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price for our sins. Our sin (my sin, your sin—all of it) was laid upon Jesus. He became our substitute and provided the path to God. Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven so we can be free, righteous, and whole.
Jesus did this for you.
Believe in Jesus Christ. Acknowledge who He is and accept His gift of forgiveness.
Confess and commit
Third, confess Jesus Christ as Lord and commit your life to Him.
… because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10
Salvation comes when you openly confess and believe in Jesus, His death, burial, and resurrection, and accept Him as Lord of your life. It is a heartfelt commitment that because “Jesus died for me, I will live for Him.” When you make this confession and commitment, the Holy Spirit comes to live in you, giving you the power to change, grow, and live a life that is pleasing to God.
Are you ready to accept Jesus?
Pray
Lord, I need You. I can’t make it through life on my own. I fall, I fail. I have impure thoughts and do things that are not pleasing to You. So I come with a repentant heart seeking and accepting Your forgiveness. Jesus, I believe You are the son of God, You came to earth, died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Today, I invite You into my heart and surrender my life to You. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Help me be the person You desire.
Thank You for eternal life.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
If your confession and commitment are sincere, you are saved. It is a promise from God.
… for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
In obedience to Christ, you should be baptized as a public testimony of your salvation.
Talk to God regularly through prayer.
Read the Bible and unite with a Bible-believing church for worship, nurturing, and growth.
To God be the glory!
Except from Put Your Faith Where Your Fork Is: Science-Based, Faith-Empowered Principles for Healthy Weight Management by Nettye Johnson