In baseball, a runner must touch all four bases to score a run for his team. The path to abundant and eternal life is very similar to the base paths on a ball diamond. Step 1 (first base) along that path is realizing that God loves you! He is seeking to give you an abundant life now and for eternity.

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. -- John 3:16 My purpose is to give eternal life--abundantly. -- John 10:10

At second base (step 2) we admit that we are sinners and separated from God. We realize we can never reach God through our own efforts.
Yes, all have sinned: all fall short of God's glorious ideal. -- Romans 3:23

But the trouble is that your sins have cut you off from God. Because of sin He has turned His face away from you and will not listen anymore. -- Isaiah 59:2 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. -- Romans 6:23

Third base is so close to scoring. Here (step 3) we understand that God has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in payment for our sins. By His sacrifice, we may advance Home.
But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. -- Romans 5:8

Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners, although He himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that He might bring us safely home to God. Jesus told him, "I am the Way -- yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me." -- John 14:6 However, being CLOSE to home does NOT count!

	THE WINNING RUN! To score (step 4), we must personally receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives. We cannot "squeeze" ourselves home any other way, and He will not force Himself upon us.
But to all who receive Him, He gave the right to become children of God. All they needed to do was to trust Him to save them. -- John 1:12

Because of His kindness you have been saved through trusting Christ. And even trusting is NOT OF YOURSELF; it too is a GIFT from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it. -- Ephesians 2:8-9 Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I WILL COME IN and fellowship with him and he with me. -- Revelation 3:20

Why not receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord right now? 1. Admit your sin to God (confess). 2. Be willing to leave your sin (repent). 3. Believe Jesus Christ died for you on the cross.(Acts 16:31) 4. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins, come into your heart, and take control of your life (receive).

HERE IS A SUGGESTED PRAYER: Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins and want to leave them. I believe Jesus died for me and I now invite Him to come into my life and to make me what He wants me to be. Thank you, (your signature)

What happened when you "touched home" (asked Christ into your life)? And what is it that God has said? That He has given us eternal life, and that this life is in His Son. So whoever has God's Son has life; whoever does not have His Son, does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the Son of God so that YOU MAY KNOW you have eternal life. -- I John 5:11-13 Find a friend and tell him what Jesus has done for you. It will greatly strengthen you.

Now that you have scored the "winning run" don't just sit in the dugout. Though it may be the last of the ninth inning, the game of life is not over. Satan, our deadly enemy, can still rise up and score temporary victories in your life. You must defend against his attacks (Ephesians 6:10-11). Keep up the offenses by showing others how to receive Christ (WITNESS). FELLOWSHIP in church with victorious teammates who have found Christ. As you read God's "Game Plan" daily (BIBLE STUDY) and consult the Master Coach (PRAYER), OBEY His teachings as proof of your love for Him.

PASS IT ON Accepting Christ is the most important decision you will ever make. He will change your life now and for eternity. If this webpage has helped you to make that decision, share its contents with your friends. Christ will do the same for them. May God bless your efforts.