Photo by Fabrice Villard
Eternal Spring
As the tree looks almost dead
in winter months, I know instead,
it holds a secret—yet unseen.
When comes the spring, its life has been
holed up inside and waiting for
the call of God—leaves to restore.
To break the hold of winter’s grasp,
God brings forth life, as springtime laughs.
So too, will I laugh and rejoice!
When I am gone, I’ll raise my voice
to praise My Savior, lift His name—
who for His love for sinners came
to live on earth, to die for us,
to resurrect! In Him I trust.
This dead tree, full of selfishness,
is cleansed and free! I must confess—
He kept His promise of new life! ¹
Through faith in Him, I’m done with strife.
Just as the Savior rose from death,
I’ll do so—after my last breath. ²
Spring’s reminder, Easter morn,
gives hope to all who are reborn. ³
Eternal spring—my destined way,
I’ll see no more, a winter day!
John 3:16
John 11:25
John 3:5-7
© 2020 gratefulsue
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The most famous verse of the New Testament, John, chapter 3, verse 16, quotes Jesus saying, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
What does it mean to “believe in him”? It means you agree and believe:
— Jesus was a real person in history, and he claimed to be the Son of God (John 20:30-31).
— Jesus had no sins of his own (John 8:46).
— The punishment you and I deserve for sinning is physical and spiritual death, separation from holy God (Rom. 6:23).
— The point of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross was to take the punishment you and I deserve for our sins, in our place, because sins require punishment (Romans 3:22-24).
— Three days after he died, Jesus was alive again, having paid for our sins and having conquered death. He was seen multiple times after his resurrection, and once by more than 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). His resurrection proves his divinity as the Son of God .
— Lastly, believing in Jesus means we are each trusting in Jesus, the Son of God, to be our personal Savior from the penalty our sins deserve (John 3:16-17).
If you aren’t sure you believe all six points above, pray and ask God to show you the truth. Then, read the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They are called “Gospels.” The Gospels are biographies of the life of Jesus written by four different authors. While much of the material is similar, each book offers some new unique insights on the life of Jesus. This will give you more information on which to base your decision.
If you would like to place your trust in Jesus to be your Savior and Lord you can do at any time, through prayer. Tell God you believe the things stated in the above six points. Once you have acknowledged your sins and received God’s forgiveness through faith, you have eternal life and you are forever his child (John 3:5-7). He will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
If or when you sin again, confess it to God right away and thank him for his forgiveness. Ask God to help you avoid that sin in the future. Being in community with other Christians in a good church, and having an accountability partner, can help you live a life that is pleasing to God.
If Jesus is now your Savior and Lord, what gifts of love, faith, and service will Jesus acknowledge and praise—when you meet Him face to face at the end of your life? Your faith secures your entrance into Christ’s eternal kingdom. Your kind words, attitudes and deeds toward others will show God your sincere faith and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf (Matthew 25:31-40).