On October 11, 1943, USS Wahoo joined the ranks of 52 American submarines on Eternal Patrol, the final resting place for boats lost at sea. It's a fictional place, invented by grieving submariners to honor their fallen comrades and afford the living some temporary comfort. Yet eternity is a reality, one that everyone must face.  Fortunately, we can all take refuge in the Truth given by God and find peace through His offer of eternal life.

Some people think a personal relationship with God is something only theologians can comprehend. Actually, God's plan of salvation is simple enough for everyone to understand. Here are the ABC's of salvation:

A. All persons need salvation. Each of us has a problem the Bible calls sin. Sin is a refusal to acknowledge God's authority over our lives. Everyone who does not live a life of perfect obedience to the Lord is guilty of sin. Since none of us is perfect, all of us are sinners (Romans 3:10-18).

The result of sin is spiritual death (Ezekiel 18:4b). Spiritual death means eternal separation from God. By God's perfect standard we are guilty of sin and therefore subject to punishment for sin which is separation from God. The Bible says, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that He will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).

B. Because God loves us, He offers us salvation. Although we have done nothing to deserve His love and salvation, God wants to save us. Jesus Christ is the only answer to our sin problem that separates us from God. Jesus' death on the cross bridged the gap between God and people. The Bible says, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18a).

C. Come to Jesus for eternal salvation. The desire in your heart to be saved is the Holy Spirit offering you forgiveness of your sin and the gift of eternal life. You can receive a right relationship with God right now if you will:
    1. Admit your need for a Savior.
    2. Be willing to turn from your sins.
    3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross
        and rose from the grave.
    4. Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come into your
        life through the Holy Spirit.

Pray a prayer similar to this:
"Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness.  I believe You died to forgive me of my sins.  I want to turn from my sins.  I now invite You to come into my life.  Thank You for forgiving me of my sin.  Thank You for giving me new life.  From this day forward, I will choose to follow You."

If you prayed this prayer, share your decision with a Christian friend, local pastor, or Sunday School teacher. Ask to be baptized as a public expression of your faith. Get involved in church so that you can grow deeper in your faith. Read your Bible to know Christ better. Talk to God in prayer every day. And tell me, and others, about what Jesus has done for you.