Why Jesus?

Discover Jesus

Maybe you arrived here because someone did something kind for you. That kindness is a small expression of the love that inspires ACT1V8. But the Christian message is about something much greater than doing good things: it is about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

Created and loved by God

The Bible teaches that God created us in His image and loves the world. You matter to Him. He made us to know Him and live in relationship with Him.

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. BSB

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. BSB

Why we need a Savior

All of us have sinned. We fall short of God's holiness in our thoughts, choices and actions. Sin separates us from God, and even our best deeds cannot erase it or earn salvation.

Romans 3:23

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, BSB

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. BSB

Ephesians 2:8–9

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. BSB

What Jesus has done

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully man. He lived without sin, died on the cross for our sins, was buried and physically rose from the dead. His resurrection is central to the Christian hope. Through Him, forgiveness and reconciliation with God are offered as a gift of grace.

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8 · BSB

John 1:1, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. BSB

Romans 5:8

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. BSB

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, BSB

How you can respond

Jesus calls us to repent—to turn from sin—and trust in Him. Salvation is God's gift, received by grace through faith, not a reward for completing missions or being a good person. You can speak to God honestly about your sin, your questions and your desire to follow Jesus.

Mark 1:15

“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” BSB

Acts 3:19

Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, BSB

Ephesians 2:8–10

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. BSB

Romans 10:9–10

that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved. BSB

If you would like words to help you pray

God, I know I have sinned and cannot save myself. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me. I turn to You and place my trust in Jesus. Help me follow Him.

Prayer is a way to express repentance and faith; repeating specific words is not what saves you.

What comes next?

If you're curious, begin with the Gospel of John and talk with a trusted Christian or pastor. If you have decided to follow Jesus, connect with a Bible-believing local church to grow through Scripture, prayer, fellowship and baptism. Questions are welcome; you do not have to pretend you have everything figured out.

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Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain.