By George H. Alquist Jr.
Golf is a magnificent sport! The world's ultimate individual competition where a man receives what he has earned by virtue of his skill and ability. In the game of golf there is no one else to blame but oneself and no one to share the glory with but the same. Golf is the game you either love to hate or hate to love. The game is so compelling that no matter how bad you may do one day, you will be itching to be out another. It is, at the same time, an exercise in frustration and a refreshing pause from routine. Golf is indeed a wonderful game.
One thing about golf is that you could never get a "perfect" score, a score of 18. When we get a good score we are usually quite pleased with ourselves. However, no matter how hard we try, we will always fall short of that "perfect" score! Well, that is true with getting to heaven as well. The Bible says in Romans 3:23,
"...all have sinned and come SHORT of the glory of God."
You see, we have all sinned against God and disqualified ourselves from achieving heaven as our eternal home. We have a sinful nature; and sin because we are sinners. This sin against God brings its own dessert,
"For the wages of sin is death..." Romans 6:23.
Because of sin, we die physically and spiritually,
"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:14,15.
Our sin has earned for us an eternal penalty in the lake of fire. But, Romans 6:23 goes on to say,
"...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Since we could not earn our own salvation (that would be possible only by living a completely perfect and sinless life, like hitting an 18 every time we played golf) God made salvation available to us as a free gift.
One might ask how such a wonderful gift could be offered. The gift of eternal life can be offered by God because someone paid the price for it. That someone was the Lord Jesus Christ.
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
Jesus Christ died on Calvary's cross to pay for your sins. He was buried in your tomb and rose from death for your salvation. In the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8&9 we read,
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
The gift of God's salvation is not for sale and cannot be earned by good deeds, religious activity, or personal performance. The gift of God's salvation can only be received as it is, a FREE gift. Romans 10: 13 tells us,
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
John 1: 12 states,
"But as many as received (by trusting and calling) him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."
My friend, I John 1:9 promises,
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This confession is made to Jesus Christ, not to men.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." I Tim. 2:5.
Dear reader would you now, where you are, bow your head and confess your sin to Jesus Christ and ask him to forgive you and save your soul? If you will, He will! He promised! Pray something like this, "Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and unable and undeserving of heaven. However, I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. I trust You, Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, and ask You to save me. Thank You for loving me Lord and thank You for saving me by your grace. Give me the grace to live for you. Amen."
If you just prayed that prayer sincerely, upon the authority of God's Word, you are saved! Heaven will be you eternal home someday. You should let someone know of you decision. You may visit the church listed on this leaflet or write to me at 806 Parade St. Erie, PA 16503. Congratulations!
