The Baptist Beacon

Are You Experienced?

By Ricky Oliver

Are you experienced? That is to say, do you have a heart felt, born again, know that you know experience of salvation with God? You can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are saved, and have an eternal home in heaven. In fact, you and God are the only ones that can know. Your actions will show it, but no man can tell you where you stand with God.

Salvation is a personal experience between you and God; and I do mean an experience, a time and place where God spoke peace to your heart.

A real peace, something you can feel, the Bible says; "a peace that passeth all understanding" Phil. 4:7. Eph. 2:7_8 "For by Grace are you saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest any should." You must see yourself through God's eyes. Born into sin, unworthy of His Grace.

You must have conviction, John 6:44 "No man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him." There is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun.

Jesus Christ came into the world as a supreme sacrifice for our sins. He died on the cross so that you and I might be saved. John 3:16 "For god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. " John 3:3, Jesus said,"Verily verily I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. " We must believe on Jesus with a whole heart, we must surrender everything to Him. True repentance comes from the heart. You don't make a decision to change your lifestyle or accept a scripture. You must put your faith and trust in Jesus, seek until you find. When you find him, you will know it, and you will have found peace for evermore. Acts 17:30, "but now (God) commandeth all men everywhere to repent." God will ACCEPT US when we come to Him with a humble heart, confessing all. Ps. 34:18, "the Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Jesus said in Matt. 18:3 "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. "

When I felt conviction I knew that if I died I was on my way to hell. I took one step of faith toward Jesus,

I can only describe it as if a big hand actually lifted me up. There is a moment of time I cannot account for but I felt a peace, a warmth, and a love that is undescribable.

That love has never left me. Jesus is in my heart wherever I go. He is the only one you can trust for your salvation. No man can look into your heart. No man can save you . All the good deeds in the world can't save you. A baptism can't save you. The words on this paper can't save you . Humble yourselves in prayer, trust Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith.